It's like riding a bike or learning how to type! Once you learn how, you always seem to remember what it is!
Yin and Yang--a great example of the balance of white space vs. dark space--describes two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night; yang, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the day; yin is often symbolized by water, while yang is symbolized by fire.
So what exactly is white space? It is often referred to as negative space; that portion of a page left unmarked. White space is that magic element that dictates great graphic design. It is the space between graphics, margins, gutters, space between columns, space between lines of type or figures and objects drawn or depicted.
White space is very important in website design; I much prefer a white background coupled with great layout as opposed to a dark background with white text. That must be my Yang talking!
Vote for Yin or Yang!
White space at a glance
In page layout, illustration and sculpture, white space is often referred to as negative space. It is that portion of a page left unmarked: the space between graphics, margins, gutters, space between columns, space between lines of type or figures and objects drawn or depicted. The term arises from graphic design practice, where printing processes generally use white paper.
White space should not be considered merely 'blank' space ? it is an important element of design which enables the objects in it to exist at all, the balance between positive (or non-white) and the use of negative spaces is key to aesthetic composition.
When space is at a premium, such as some types of magazine, newspaper, and yellow pages advertising, white space is limited in order to get as much vital information on to the page as possible. A page crammed full of text or graphics with very little white space runs the risk of appearing busy, cluttered, and is typically difficult to read. Some designs compensate for this problem through the careful use of leading and typeface.
Judicious use of white space can give a page a classic, elegant, or rich appearance. For example, upscale brands often use ad layouts with little text and a lot of white space. Inexpert use of white space can make a page appear incomplete.
Great use of white space
Stylehive logo
On May 2, 2006, when I became active at Stylehive, I did so because I really liked the layout of their website, not to mention their logo, and the format of bookmarking with keywords and pictures.Stylehive's wonderful use of white space can be credited to the two talented strategic designers Emily Chang and Max Kiesler.
White space and good design
Design Software
![Macromedia Flash Pro 8 (Win/Mac) [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RFNT0EBDL._SL75_.jpg)
![Microsoft FrontPage 2003 [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411JQZMTRRL._SL75_.jpg)
The buzz on white space
- More White Space and a Smaller Google Logo
- I don't like this white space much... However the smaller logo isn't a real problem, why not. #. Ano...
- White Space: the Debate Over Free Wireless Spectrum | Web Design ...
- Web Design | Web Marketing | Search Engine Optimization -
- My crafty outlook: White space
- For the second sympathy card I've used the idea for day 123 on 365, which is: 'Well, we've had a whi...
- More White Space and a Smaller Google Logo | MT-Soft
- In May, Google started to change the logos used by its services to make them look more consistent. T...
Find out more info on white space
- White Space in Visual Arts
- Check out Wikipedia's definition as this free reference is always a great starting place!
- White Space in Graphic Design
- About.com has tackled the subject of white space and makes some good pointers.
- Formatting and White space
- An eBay Guide! Adding white space is just one method -- Workshop materials prepared by shipscript.
- The Value Of White Space
- Get some great tips from Larisa Thomason, Senior Web Analyst, NetMechanic, Inc., for use of white space in website design.
Drop me a note ...
Do you know of some websites that employ really good use of white space? Please tell me and I may profile them as the website of the day!
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
I just ying and yang until it looks right. Sometimes it is and sometimes its not. They balance out.
Great lens
Lizzy
Posted November 02, 2008
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