Rules for loading the dishwasher are learned from one's mom and other women.   Depends on the dishwasher.   You learn which way is better to face the plates whether towards the middle or away from the middle.   Silverware.... handles up or down.  ( I learned not to long ago to alternate the silverware... that way they don't  "spoon"  together and  get clean.    You can't hit load things that will hit the spinning arms.     Plus,  I have a preferred way to unload the clean dishes to put away the clean dishes....  Putting things in the wrong place/shelf might slow down the efficiency of the job.  

Unload a dishwasher a few times to see what things come clean and what is still dirty.... you will learn.