How do you use the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds is a method for dividing an image or design into different sections using columns and rows that form a grid. The grid consists of three rows and columns evenly spaced to form nine equal squares that fit over the image. The phone's camera grid is a big one example of this. For your convenience, we've included some examples below.
Simply, the rule of thirds divides a frame or canvas into nine equal parts. The lines and intersections create a mathematical grid from which you can design visually interesting designs. Designers usually place important images, links, texts, or calls to action near the four points of the grid so that users can quickly get an idea of what they're seeing and how to proceed with the main tasks. Camren started out in illustration and graphic design, but quickly discovered his passion for teaching UX design and has since tutored more than 500 students and has trained about 250 of them to find a career in UX.
It is clear that the designer of this website for a children's hospital has used the rule of thirds to place the header, the descriptive text, the image and the call to action. While the rule of thirds is great for creating balance and dynamism in designs or images, it's important to remember that it's just a guide and can be broken in certain situations. Design is an innovative field full of opportunities for designers to demonstrate their creativity and ingenuity. This London-based design studio has implemented the rule of thirds very well in the design of its websites.
While user experience designers rely on the rule of thirds to achieve strictly visual appeal, they also use it to ensure that users are aware of the key points that will ultimately help the user navigate the interface and, hopefully, will generate higher conversion rates. That said, there are many ways in which designers incorporate the rule of thirds into their design process.
