White space in UX design
What is white space in UX design?
This article will help you learn about white space and why it so important in UX design.
White space is a very useful technique when you’re creating design layouts. It’s important when you’re putting together a design layout that you let elements on the page breathe. The best way to do that is by introducing what’s known as white space.
White space isn’t a difficult technique to learn. Basically all you need to do is create room around each of the elements whether they are text, images, or graphics. On the page, make sure to leave enough room around each element so that they can have their own visual focus. That way when someone is viewing your design they can get an easy feel for it and they can take on board what you are trying to say. Due to this, empty space is a legitimate design element that has a great influence on the user experience.
It is important to remember that the negative space in web design does not have to be only white — you can use any color, texture, even pattern or background image.
Types of white space
In designing user interfaces for websites and mobile applications, the use of negative space is a significant factor in the high usability and navigation ability of the interface.
There are two types of spaces:
- Macro space: This term refers to spaces between the main elements of a web page or mobile and the space around each part.
- Micro-space: These are small gaps within an element: line spacing in the text, gaps between pictures, separators, and more.
Why is negative space important?
Both customers and some designers may want to place as many elements and functions on the same page or screen, thinking that it will be useful for consumers. But this is a mistake: in fact, users do not need everything at once. Moreover, too many elements without enough air significantly increase the level of distraction: overloaded with information and interactive elements, and users have to make an effort to find what they need.
White space leaves separation between the content, it makes the important things stand out, and it creates balance.
Let’s take a look deeper on the advantages of using whitespace
Easy page reading
If there is not enough space between elements, they become difficult to read and require additional effort to discern. Balancing negative space, especially micro-space solves this problem and makes the reading process more natural.
Improves the visual hierarchy
The empty space helps the user to divide the content into easy-to-read pieces and focus on the details. This is similar to the pauses in artists’ performances on stage, which gives listeners time for comprehension and understanding.
Gives visual communication between elements
Whitespace not only creates harmony, balance, and helps to brand a design, it can also be used to lead a reader from one element to another.
Design composition does not feel cluttered
Elements without enough air significantly increase the level of distraction. The key is to balance your designs and let whitespace act as a great tool to separate chunks of content for easy accessibility and improved user experience.
Focuses the user’s attention on the main elements
The more empty space around a design element, the more attention it attracts. White space focuses the user’s eyes on the search bar and company logo. Thus, with the help of spaces, you can arrange semantic stresses on a web page and draw attention to important information.
Adds style and elegance to the page
White space can become a design pillar for a company and make the design style unique. Such stylistic decisions are remembered by users and distinguish the site from competitors.
Empty space is not an empty canvas, it is a powerful design tool. The use of spaces is both art and science. Understanding how many spaces should be used to create a good layout requires practice. The more you create, the more you learn. Try and experiment with it. Good luck 😉
