Glossary A–ZLetter L
Layout
The layout is the division of the screen area, defining which area sits where, how large it is and what it shows.
It sets the basic framework into which individual content items are placed.
A simple layout fills the whole screen with one item. Often, however, the screen is divided into areas: a large main field for videos at the top, a column of appointments on the right, a ticker along the bottom, clock and logo in a corner. A layout is tailored to one resolution and one orientation. A landscape layout cannot simply be carried over to a portrait screen but needs an arrangement of its own.
Operators should plan layouts for each screen type they use and check them on the actual device. More areas mean less space per area; beyond a certain number, text and images become illegible from a distance. A good layout leaves space around the content and keeps important elements away from the edges. Anyone supplying many locations is best advised to define layouts as templates.