Design Element: Space

Space refers to the area that a shape or form occupies.

It also refers to the background against which we see
the shape or form.

The positive space of a design is the
filled space in the design or the shapes
that make up the design.

Negative space is the background. The negative space in design is as important as the positive area

Positive space is usually refers to anything that is considered the main focus of the page.

Positive space can be perceived as two dimensional or three dimensional.

Negative space is the white space or empty space which is the part of the design that is not there, the space between the visual elements.
This can also be the background color of a design.

Negative space avoids visual clutter and looks clean which can help balance a composition and help focus the viewer on something specific.

In design what creates positive and negative space is the arrangement and visual appearance of shapes within a composition.

Proximity (space between shapes) suggests relationships between the elements

Overlap is the effect where shapes are arranged to appear to be on top of each other.

This illusion makes the top element look closer to the observer.

Opacity is the effect where objects appear transparent.

Degrees of opacity can make elements look heavy or light to suggest dominance and order of closeness in a space.

Opacity blurs the barriers between positive and negative space.

Overlapping transparent elements can create dynamics in a composition to create an illusion of 3D and perspective.

Light and shadow can give an object a three-dimensional look.

Shadow can create the illusion that an object is on top of another and suggest how far apart they may be.

Depth is created through the arrangement, creation, and manipulation of shapes to look like they appear in real life.

Depth by size.

Depth by placement and size.

Depth by focus.

In design, there is no way to determine the depth of the space, only the order of
closeness.

We can also use positive and negative space to create interest, a focal point, balance, set a visual tone and define a look and feel.

The white space in our text is an essential aspect for the viewers to have a smooth reading.

This is what White Space does:

1. Improves focus

The fewer elements you have on a page, the easier it for your reader to understand what you intended to communicate.

Fewer elements competing for attention results in more white space.

More white space makes it easier to focus on those elements.

2. Improves comprehension

Studies concluded that the use of white space between paragraphs and in the left and right margins increased comprehension by almost 20%.

3. Helps create balance

Elements of different visual weight can be balanced asymmetrically by controlling the amount of white space around each element.

4. Communicates distinction

White space can be used to indicate a distinction between elements (separate).

5. Communicates relationships

A smaller amount of white space can indicate a relationship between elements (grouping).

6. Helps to establish visual hierarchy

Variation of white space can be used to help establish visual hierarchy in your design.

7. Promotes rhythm in your design

Elements and white space work together to create rhythm in your design.

A consistent spacing strategy helps users adapt to the design and understand and anticipate the flow.