In newspaper design, weight means:
- physical weight
- light weight
- optical weight
- story weight
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
In newspaper design, weight does not refer to how heavy something is physically. Instead, it points to optical weight—how visually strong or dominant an element appears on the page. Designers use this concept to lead the reader’s eye and establish a clear reading path.
Optical weight depends on several elements. Size, color, boldness, and placement all contribute. A large headline at the top of a page carries more weight than a small caption tucked into the corner. Bold text appears heavier than light text. Darker elements draw more attention than lighter ones.
Designers use optical weight to create visual balance. Too much weight on one side makes a page feel lopsided. Too little weight can leave a layout looking empty or weak. Achieving harmony between elements makes the page easier to read and more appealing to look at.
This concept also helps highlight important stories. Designers give lead articles more visual weight through bold headlines, bigger photos, or prime positioning. This ensures readers know what to focus on first, even before reading a word.
Effective use of optical weight shapes the reader’s experience. It directs attention, enhances flow, and keeps the audience engaged. Without it, layouts become confusing and visually flat.
In summary, optical weight plays a key role in how stories are perceived. It’s the invisible hand that moves the eye across the page, making content more impactful and organized.
