Rule of Thirds
“Rule of Thirds” in Photography
The rule of thirds is likely a term that you may have heard in reference to photography, or maybe even graphic design. But you ask yourself, what is the rule of thirds and why is it referenced so often? The rule of thirds is a compositional “rule” that suggests dividing the image into thirds and placing the subject on one of those sides, instead of in the center. Like other rules in photography, the rule of thirds is meant only as a guideline but more often than not, helps create stronger images.
Applying the rule of thirds can promote most any average photographer to the subsequent level. The rule of thirds is a set of guidelines meant to help a photographer place a subject in the image, in a way that’s pleasing to the viewer. The thought is to segment the scene into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Strong horizontal objects should line up with each of the top and bottom division lines within the frame. Similarly, strong vertical objects should line up with the right or left division lines in the frame.
Many photographs however, even though they don’t appear to have intentionally followed the rule of thirds very strongly, may still apply the rule in an approximate manner. In other words, many photographers use the rule of thirds without even thinking about it, or before they even know it is a “rule”!
This rule is so popular and so important to many photographers’ creative processes that many digital cameras these days have the option to overlay the grid pattern over the viewfinder or live-view monitor. This allows the photographer to correctly line up the subject to be in compliance with the rule of thirds as shown in the image below.
Concept of “Rule of Thirds”
Rule of thirds also known as the golden grid rule is a technique where a composition is aligned to a three by three grid. By dividing a composition into three grids, we section it into nine imaginary rectangles with four intersections. The focus subject is aligned at one of the intersecting points or close to them. This creates an asymmetry in the composition. This very resulting asymmetry provides an interesting take on the composition and is pleasing to look at.The rule is widely applied so much so that you may have even used it or seen it being used.
How do our eyes visualize a design?
We are generally tempted to give more focus to the top left corner of any visuals or designs. People scan images in an F-shape. First, we look at the top left spot and gradually move down to the bottom left corner. Then to the top right one, and at last, we give the least attention to the bottom right spot. This is the visual distribution for our eyes.
“Rule of Thirds” in UI/UX
The rule of thirds might be a simple technique where designers divide their designs into three rows and three columns, and at the points where the vertical and horizontal lines meet is where your main points should be.
Using the rule of thirds is a great way to kick off your design’s composition as it gives you a quick guide to positioning and framing your elements. A great way to get started together with your design, particularly if you’re getting to employ the rule of thirds is to start with a grid. Grids can assist you align your elements during a more logical way and have a clearer understanding of where the focal point/s of your designs will lie.
Think about placement of elements on your website in reference to the rule of thirds. At a standard screen resolution of 1,024 pixels wide by 786 pixels deep, each third would be about 341 pixels wide by 262 deep.Think about the composition of your site. It is likely the banner falls side the left-most top third. Much of your content probably begins around the location of the top third grid-line, with navigation above it. Consider where banner ads are placed on many news websites. They strip across the top third gridline, such as the ad and content on the Rolling Stone website. On homepages, Applying the rule of thirds will help you to determine where to place images or help readers focus when visiting your site. Think about what percentage sites are structured as well.
The rule states that the core element of your design should always be at one of the 4 points of intersection. In cases where it is not possible, the element should always be close to one of those intersections. It is also not required to use this rule. Even after completing the design, we can make it follow the rule by simply repositioning it.
The idea is that by arranging and placing elements with the rule of thirds in mind will create a more interesting design and that a user’s eyes will flow through the intersections of the grid thus creating a design that has more tension and energy.
Rule of Thirds Vs Golden Ration
There are many “rules” of composition, not actual rules but more like guidelines. The golden ratio is another that you may have heard about, but the reason for the rule of thirds’ popularity lies less in what it promotes, and more in how simple and easy it is to understand. Simply put, the rule of thirds is the basis of most discussions on composition; it is the bedrock of most accepted compositional practices, and for this reason, it is one of the first concepts that photographers are told to learn.
The rule is popular because it is very simple to use and yields great results. Comparing the rule of thirds to the golden ratio, prior is easier to use and implement. The ratio of the rule of thirds is different than that of the golden ratio. However, the ease of application is a good trade-off for the small difference in ratio.
Conclusion
The simplicity of use and positive results for this rule is the major reason it is so popular with designers and photographers.The rule also helps you build an aesthetically pleasing design. Aesthetics play a major role in user perception of a product or composition. This is known as the Aesthetic usability effect.
Therefore, as a designer, you have a prime opportunity to take advantage of this innate tendency, maximizing the impact of your design by appealing to your user in this way. Whether you’re designing manually or with the aid of software, you’ll find the Rule of Thirds an invaluable aid in targeting the key points of your design and communicating these to your users.
