Wonder why some websites look clean and engaging while others appear cluttered?
This difference can be attributed to a concept called white space.
Good web design strives to balance content (text, images, videos) and white space. Adding white space improves user experience by making websites attractive, user-friendly, well-organized, and readable.
Chicago web design agency can help you with white space, its types (micro vs. macro, passive vs. active), origins, and how to use it in website designs.
This blog post explores what white space is, where it comes from, and different types, and showcases 11 inspiring examples.
What Is White Space?
Whitespace refers to the space amidst design elements, encompassing text, graphics, and more. Its purpose lies in fostering contrast, balance, and hierarchy while enhancing a design’s legibility and visual allure.
Where Did White Space Come From?
White space has been used in design since the early 20th century when artists started incorporating it. The Swiss design movement in the 1950s and 60s, also known as the International Typographic Style, was especially renowned for using white space in typography and graphic design.
In web design, white space gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During that period, websites were often cluttered with text, images, and flashy graphics, making it challenging for users to navigate and focus on essential elements. Web designers then began strategically using white space to enhance websites’ visual appeal and usability.
The Different Types of White Space You Should Know About
Whitespace is a critical design element that greatly influences how audiences perceive content. While some may view whitespace as empty space, it consists of different types that designers should acknowledge.
Micro vs. Macro Whitespace
Micro vs. Macro Whitespace denotes the level of detail in the space between design elements.
Micro whitespace refers to the small gaps between letters, words, and lines, while macro whitespace refers to the larger gaps between paragraphs, images, and text sections.
The utilization of micro and macro whitespace affects design readability and visual appeal.
Passive vs. Active Whitespace
Passive vs. Active Whitespace relates to how whitespace creates a sense of movement or activity within a design.
Passive whitespace separates elements without additional purpose, whereas active whitespace guides the eye and highlights key design elements.
Employing active whitespace helps steer viewers’ attention to the most crucial parts of a design.
Why You Should Use White Space on Websites
Classic and Timeless
White space, a design strategy used for decades, brings modern freshness while maintaining a timeless feel.
Enhanced Visual Appeal
Strategic white space between design elements creates balance, contrast, and engagement, making your website more attractive.
Improved User Experience
White space facilitates easy navigation by creating separate sections and groups, allowing users to find desired information quickly.
Enhanced Focus
Separating design elements with white space helps users focus on individual elements without distractions.
Effective Organization
White space aids in achieving a well-structured and organized layout, enabling easy website navigation.
Better Legibility and Readability
Micro white space between letters and lines enhances content legibility, making it easier for users to absorb information.
Improved Content Optimization
By compressing, simplifying, and making the text more human-like, the content remains concise, heading-focused, and easy to understand.
11 Inspiring Examples of White Space in Web Design
Whitespace, or negative space, is intentionally left blank between design elements. It is crucial in web design for balance, clarity, and elegance. Here are 11 inspiring examples of whitespace in web design:
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: The logo cleverly separates tree, water, and animal elements, reflecting the zoo’s identity.
- Circa 1886’s Hero Image Gallery: Large whitespace frames the main content, evoking elegance with clean typography and visuals.
- Florian Schulz Productions: Whitespace showcases breathtaking wildlife images, drawing focus to the subject.
- Overstock’s Navigation: Carefully arranged links with ample whitespace create a clear and enjoyable user experience.
- Udemy Line Spacing: Smart typography with appropriate spacing makes the text less cluttered and more pleasing.
- Meetup’s Organized UI: Generous whitespace creates a clean and intuitive interface for connecting with like-minded people
- Maison De La Luz’s Margins: Whitespace compartmentalizes the page, emphasizing focus and aesthetics for luxury hotel websites.
- Apple’s Product Focus: Minimal design with increased whitespace directs attention to product images, embodying Apple’s style.
- Lull CTAs: Ample whitespace around the call-to-action (CTA) button draws attention and encourages user action.
- Flywheel’s Pricing Blocks: Whitespace in pricing areas highlights numbers and enhances contrast for easier decision-making.
- Salesforce Form Layout: Generous whitespace around form elements contributes to a clean and user-friendly design.
Conclusion
Whitespace is a crucial aspect of creating a new website. It provides balance to the design, emphasizes content elements, facilitates smooth reading, and adds sophistication.
There are different types of whitespaces to consider: micro vs. macro whitespace and passive vs. active whitespace. Each type has its own benefits and impact on website design. Using them correctly improves the overall feel of your site.
For inspiration, check out 11 examples of effective whitespace usage in web design. Also, remember to explore Chicago logo design services for a logo that perfectly represents your brand. Incorporating your logo into the website design is essential to achieve a cohesive and professional look. Now that you’re familiar with whitespace, apply it to your next website project with confidence!