Hierarchy is important to the design process because as humans we learn to recognize the hierarchy. If any source of media doesn't have a clear hierarchy we're reduced to processing the page at a much slower pace, by scanning the page for any revealing words or phrases and leaving our brains to decipher the code. Another key factor in the design process is making things user friendly; no noise, clearly clickable items, a sense of convention. No one wants to have to learn to navigate a website, by keeping things conventional it makes media more user friendly. In chapter 4 Krug's gives an example of users possibly confusing NAV and "Norton AntiVirus", people at Symantec know they are the same, but it can be a leap of faith for others who aren't as computer literate. The lesson I will be taking away from this example is to keep it simple stupid or to at least provide a clear and concise navigation through any website. Keeping it simple also involves no jargon or over excessive use of the english language. If at anytime you can hear your conscious saying "Blah blah blah blah blah…" you know you have gone too far.
Thinking With Type is a site discussing hierarchy with typography.
How well does your design communicate? A website dedicated to helping you discover visual hierarchy.
Good Website Navigation This one is self explanatory. =D
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