In brief: Page layout is the spatial arrangement of content and controls. It determines hierarchy, readability, rhythm and interface behaviour at different screen sizes.
How I use page layout in practice
I test page layout on real content and devices, not only in a design. I examine the first impression, readability, information order, error states and the ability to reverse a step. Every element needs a role, clear hierarchy and a measurable reason for its placement.
What to watch for
An attractive output is not automatically usable. A layout can meet an aesthetic intention while hiding important information, slowing a page or making controls harder to use. Avoid testing only on a large monitor and with ideal content; mobile, keyboard and slow connections matter.
Questions for decisions
- What task does the visitor want to complete?
- Where might they hesitate or lose context?
- Does the layout work on real devices?
- What signal will show that the change helped?