H is for hierarchy. Hierarchy is one of the most important aspects of design in a typographic layout; the rationale behind the organization and structure of what the designer is trying to communicate in a visual form. Creative use of hierarchy clearly shows the information needing most emphasis, helps the reader thought the text and to assimilate information rapidly. It will highlight changes of pace, and even add an impression of the value or feeling of the content.
Simple hierarchical form indicates main subject heading, main text, and sub-sections, even the emphasis of individual words and phrases. In web design systematic hierarchy is even more crucial as it aids navigation through a site; immediate attention online is all.
The exciting element of hierarchy is using the infinite menu of combinations available to express organization of information: through paragraph indents, line breaks, font change, font size, use of colour, use of space, variance of column widths and between lines, use of grid structure, and even breaking the grid. Consistent signaling of hierarchy in a document, utilizing just a few ingredients creates the best recipe for typographic success.