LAYOUT AND DESIGN CHECKLIST

• Are readers guided smoothly and naturally through the page?
  
  
• Does the design call attention to itself instead of the content?
  
  
• Does the page appear "cluttered"?
  
  
• Do any type or art elements appear to be lost or floating on the page?
  
  
• Do any elements interrupt reading or cause confusion?
  
  
• Is the line width of any text too narrow or too wide for easy reading?
  
  
• Do any headlines ( or other display type) compete excessively with those in adjacent columns?
  
  
• Are the starting points for all stories easily determined?
  
  
• Does the layout accurately communicate the relative importance of the stories contained on the page?
  
  
• Do the art elements accurately convey the tone and message of the stories?
  
  
• Are graphic devices used in a layout appropriate for the content of the page?
  
  
• Are all elements sized relative to their importance?
  
  
• Does the page have a dominant element or package of elements?
  
  
• Do any headlines seem out of proportion to the size of the story or column?
  
  
• Do all areas of white space appear as if they were planned?
  
  
• Is spacing between elements controlled and consistent?
  
  
• Are areas of white space balanced on the page?
  
  
• Is the size of the spaces between columns (alleys) constant?