How headings improve the user experience
When we read a book, headings act like road signs — they tell us where we are and what’s coming next. But not all signs are the same size or importance. That’s why books often use different levels of headings, sometimes called A heads, B heads, C heads, and D heads.
A heads are the biggest and most important. They mark the main sections or chapters of the book.
B heads break those big sections into smaller topics.
C heads divide those smaller topics into even smaller parts.
D heads are for very detailed points or sub-subsections.
This hierarchy works like an outline. It helps a reader see the structure at a glance, understand how ideas are related, and easily find the information they want without getting lost. Without it, the text would feel like one long, confusing block.
A head – Main chapter or section
B head – Major topic inside the chapter
C head – Subtopic under the B head
D head – Very detailed point under the C head
Example:
A head: Chapter 3 – Growing Vegetables
B head: Planning Your Garden
C head: Choosing the Right Location
D head: How Sunlight Affects Growth
C head: Deciding What to Plant
B head: Planting and Care
C head: Watering Techniques
Body text
C head: Dealing with Pests
It’s a bit like a family tree for ideas — the A heads are the “parents,” B heads are their “children,” C heads are the “grandchildren,” and D heads are the “great-grandchildren.”
It’s the same for websites.
