Supportsoft Glossary

Embracing White Space

White space (or negative space) is the empty area around design elements. It is not wasted space; it provides breathing room and focuses user attention. Page Content: White space (or negative space) is the area we leave unmarked. A common rookie mistake is seeing white space as "wasted space" that needs to be filled. In reality, white space is a luxury.

Think of a discount warehouse vs. a luxury boutique. The warehouse is packed to the ceiling (clutter = cheap). The boutique puts one shoe on a table with feet of space around it (space = expensive). The same applies to UI. White space reduces cognitive load. By putting empty space around a button, we make it impossible to miss.