Why whitespace is important in web design

Define whitespace

Whitespace is the space between design elements. It can be the space between images, text or paragraphs. Although white is in its name, the space can be coloured.

 

Focused content and easy on the eyes

If the page is too cluttered, people don’t know where to start. For example, if paragraphs are too close together, it may be difficult to read. There is no focus, which may lead them away.

Spacing is the key to create attention for the audience. The space between elements helps guide the user to the main focus, creating a good user experience. Apple is known for their use of white space, using a short description and a single image for their new product.

 

Clean. Minimal. Elegant.

Not only does whitespace help the users focus on the content, it makes the website look organized too. For our latest website design project for Robson Street project, we utilized whitespace to create an elegant feel of the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example – whitespace is used to separate the sections while maintaining enough space between the image and its paragraph.

 

Simple. Uncomplicated

Whitespace keeps it simple for people to know where to begin. Google, for example only has a search bar and their logo. It’s easy for users to understand what to do. It’s straightforward, search a keyword and get the results. If Google added additional forms and images, it would be confusing to use. People may leave the page because it looks too complicated.

Example – At the bottom of the Robson Street website, short amount of text and lots of space is used to focus on the newsletter subscription.

Find the right balance

A point people make on whitespace is that it can make a page look empty, which isn’t true. It is critical to use the space effectively,  finding the right balance between all the elements.

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