2.1b Style, Content and Layout

When creating media products, it’s important to think carefully about style, content and layout. These elements work together to make the product attractive, effective and appropriate for the target audience.

Style

Style is how the media product looks and feels. It includes things like:

• Colour schemes – which can create mood or match branding
• Font choices – which help set the tone (serious, fun, modern, etc.)
• Visual or audio style – like realistic graphics, cartoon animation, dramatic music, or upbeat sound effects
• Tone of language – formal for professional audiences, informal for casual or younger audiences

Style needs to match the purpose and audience. For example, a children’s app might use bright colours and playful fonts, while a business website might use calm colours and professional fonts.

Content

Content is the actual information, media and messaging included in the product. This can be:

• Text, images, video, sound, animation, or interactive features
• Carefully written language (e.g. persuasive for adverts, informative for news)
• Elements that reflect the genre – such as dramatic scenes in a thriller or exciting visuals in a game trailer

Good content is clear, engaging and relevant to the product’s goal.

Layout

Layout is how everything is arranged and presented on screen or page. It includes:

• Positioning of elements like titles, images, text and buttons
• The use of white space to make content easier to read
• A clear structure that guides the user’s eyes through the page
• Consistency across pages or screens

A well-organised layout helps users understand and enjoy the media product without getting confused.

Always ask: Is the style right for the audience? Is the content clear and relevant? Is the layout easy to follow?

Getting these things right makes your media product much more successful.