Reasons Why White Space is Important in Web Design: How to Use White Space

When you are on the Internet, from one moment to the next, you consciously or unconsciously focus on the balance of white space (or other colored spaces that remain empty) within your realm of vision. The white space, regardless of whether it is earth, sky or water, holds everything in a healthy balance and makes it relaxing, enjoyable and interesting to behold.

For a webmaster, understanding the power of white space in web design is vital in terms of potential readership. When constructing a web page, the webmaster should be aware that web pages do not have to be full of content, although the initial instinct of the web designer may be to put as much information as possible on single webpage.

The article, “What is white space?” suggests that there are many different aspects to white space including   “rhythm, unity, legibility, readability and balance”. 

As a webmaster, look closely at a website you are designing.

Does it have a healthy balance of white space? If not, why not? White space is important in website design and has to do with the visual experience of the reader.

For example, the word clutter can be used to describe an area where there is too much of something in relation to its total space. Clutter makes everything appear disorganized. A cluttered web page, much like a cluttered room, can lead to confusion, chaos and frustration on the part of the reader. Reluctance to enter that web page by distancing him or herself from it or avoiding the web site completely, becomes an instinctive response. This can have a negative effect on potential readership.

Interestingly, white space that is actually white in color has the added advantage of offering the full spectrum of color to the viewer. Increasing the amount of white space on a web page allows the viewer exposure to the full spectrum of color, knowingly or unknowingly, as well as consciously, unconsciously or subconsciously. This can affect the mood of the viewer in a positive manner and help to increase both ratings and earnings. 

By removing white space and increasing the clutter and dark space on a web page, the potential reader or viewer finds him or herself immersed in a realm that may affect his or her mood in an adverse manner. He or she may leave the web page, which may result in fewer, future clicks on that particular web page.  

A good example of white space on a web page is that of one of the major search engines, Google, which has a web page that contains mostly white space. In other words, the web page is largely empty and has a background that is actually white in color, unencumbered by clutter. What is front and central is the name, the ever changing and challenging design of the logo and the search engine box for the viewer. The white space increases its potency.

Giving a reader a web page entirely filled with text may lead to increased readership, but only if the content of the web page can hold the attention of the reader. Appropriate paragraphing with a healthy balance of white space, allows the reader to take a break between paragraphs when reading.

In any painting or artistic work that is aesthetically pleasing to the viewer, there is sufficient white space to emphasize the work of art. Adding photography to a web page reduces the amount of white space, but at the same time, has the power to open a window through which a reader can contemplate what he or she is reading. If the web page has actual white color as well, it lets the light in. Too much black or dark color on a web page can be oppressive, as well as difficult for a viewer to read. A white background is more appropriate.

Having a healthy balance is the true key to effective website design. Absence often speaks volumes whereas presence can be potent too, when there is sufficient white space to emphasize it.