Visual website design patterns, UX decisions & layout examples for Canadian businesses
Component Pattern

Website Card & Grid Design

Use cards for scannable choices without turning every paragraph into a box.

Cards are for comparable units

Service choices, articles, vehicles, destinations and products are good card candidates because users compare several items in one group. Cards are less useful when each block contains a continuation of the same narrative.

A grid should have consistent image treatment, heading length and action placement so scanning feels predictable.

Keep hierarchy inside the card

The image, label, title, description and action should have a clear order. Do not give every element the same visual weight. If the entire card is clickable, maintain obvious focus states and avoid nested competing links.

Do not cardify everything

When every paragraph sits inside a bordered box, the interface loses contrast between important choices and ordinary explanation. Use open text sections for narrative and cards for groups that genuinely benefit from comparison.

Responsive grids need sensible breakpoints

Three or four columns may work on wide screens, but forcing tiny cards onto tablets is rarely useful. Let the grid collapse before text becomes cramped.

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