The hierarchical development consists of a dominant and subordinate visual elements and no visual element is insignificant; each and every one contributes to communication of the message and it depends on complementing and contrasting of visual elements. If the design has a clear focal point which initiates viewers interaction with the design and then clear subordinate elements to support the focal point–the design maintains fixed attention of the eye. But if all visual elements demand equal attention, the eye is destructed and wonders around the page without any direction.
Hierarchy begins by rating visual elements by importance: what needs to be seen first, second, third, etc. Dominant elements will reside in a foreground while subordinate elements will activate the background in support of dominant elements.
Examples: