Applying Negative Space in Design

Adding negative space to a design doesn't just mean creating bigger gaps between elements. When done right, negative space helps maintain visual balance, adds to the feeling of spaciousness, and emphasizes the intended message.

In the example, scaling down an image brings it to focus. The design looks spatial but at the same time balanced.^[1]

Active negative space can create vibrance and provide energy to composition. It acts as an independent design element, breaking the repetitive pattern.^[2] The unequal intervals between the elements in the example create a sense of movement and rhythm. As a result, the design looks more visually interesting, and the UI resembles a magazine page.

Passive negative space improves legibility and overall user experience. Seeing too many elements or words appear in a small space can be overwhelming to users. Adding a consistent margin between images and text makes the content easy to follow and scan.

By external negative space, we mean the space that surrounds content blocks or separates them from one another. Its goal is to provide a nice spatial balance and create paths for the eye to follow. When used effectively, external negative space frames the focal object and ensures that it gets users' attention.

Internal negative space is all about the relationship between elements of one group. Some examples include margin and line spacing.

This internal negative space aims to control element proximity and make sure that elements don't clash with one another. The spacing between small elements can have an impact on readability and the flow of the page.

Sometimes the easiest way to highlight an element is to increase the negative space around it. Sizing down elements and keeping a comfortable distance between content groups draws attention to the focal points.

Fight the urge to fill any white space you have with more content. Each time you add another element to your design, ask yourself if it serves the purpose and helps users complete their goal.

Good typography is not only about positive forms but also the spaces between them. Internal negative space — for example, space between lines and characters — helps ensure that the text is legible.

External negative space helps direct the flow of the page and establish hierarchy.^[3] The space around the contact details draws users' attention to it. At the same time, the body text that flows around it emphasizes the connection between these 2 content groups.

Adding extra negative space around images, illustrations, or videos draws attention to them. When done right, it builds up a strong visual hierarchy. In turn, this helps users understand the message much faster.

In the example, the negative space establishes the order of importance. Viewers immediately notice the larger image and then move on to the smaller picture. Together with the title, the composition effectively communicates the message.

Negative space serves several purposes on pages with a lot of text and images. The line spacing ensures the legibility and scannability of the page. The space between the elements creates the hierarchy of information. Having enough negative space allows the page to breathe.

When done correctly, negative space on web pages can significantly improve the UX. Moreover, users are more likely to return to beautiful, well-structured pages where they manage to find what they are looking for.