What Block Should I Use?
Choosing Between Tables, Columns, and Feature Cards
While standard paragraphs work well for many types of content, blocks such as Tables, Columns, and Feature Cards can help present information in a more organized, visually appealing, and easy-to-scan format.
Choosing the right block can improve readability, accessibility, and the overall user experience. This guide will help you decide which block is the best fit for your content!
Start with Your Content
Before choosing a block, ask:
- Are you comparing information?
- Are you organizing related content side-by-side?
- Are you highlighting key actions or services?
Your answers will help determine the best block.
Table Block
Use a Table when:
- Comparing data
- Displaying schedules
- Showing fees, deadlines, or requirements
- Presenting data in rows and columns with meaningful headers
For example:
| Program | Length | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Program A | 2 Years | March 1 |
| Program B | 1 Year | May 15 |
Avoid Tables for:
- Page layout
- Large blocks of text, images or complex content
- Content that isn’t truly tabular
Accessibility Tip:
Use table headings so screen readers can understand the relationships between cells
Column Block
Use Columns When:
- Displaying related content side-by-side
- Creating balanced page layouts
- Presenting images and text together
For example, use columns for new student information:
Getting Started
Find information about course registration, student accounts, orientation activities, and important dates to help you prepare for your first semester.
Student Resources
Access academic advising, important forms, campus services, and tools to support your success throughout the year.
Columns Tip:
Columns work best when the content is related and of roughly equal length, allowing users to compare or scan information side-by-side.
Feature Cards
Use Feature Cards when:
- Highlighting services, resources, or key actions
- Creating visual navigation
- Drawing attention to important content
Example:
- Apply Now
- Request Information
- Explore Programs
Why Use Them?
Feature cards create a clear visual hierarchy and help users quickly scan a page. They are a nice design element to break up content.
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Compare information, Display data | Table Block |
| Show related content side-by-side | Columns Block |
| Highlight important actions or resources | Feature Cards |
Choosing the right block helps visitors find information faster and makes pages easier to scan. When in doubt, focus on your content’s purpose first, then select the block that best supports that goal.