White space is the term used to denote the space between objects on a page (web pages, printed pages, etc.). Look at figure 1, a paragraph of text in Times New Roman. There is no margin around the text, so the font runs right up against the font on this page. It's difficult for the eye to break up the information. Sure you can do it, but one of the goals is to help readers do it quickly. In other words, if a reader has to look at this page in a hurry, they would find it difficult to find any specific piece of information they need within this paragraph.

Understand that our eyes are naturally able to more easily find information when that information is grouped in small chunks of like information. Hence, the following figure (figure 2) is still embedded within the text (like the above snippit). The border, created by the white space, breaks up the information into three different small chunks. Each is now easy to see, and it's much easier to diffrentiate between pieces of information.

Using white space is also necessary for graphics. Like the text in the first paragraph, figure 3 is closed in, flush with the text here. Without white space, it's difficult to really see the graphic quickly, or at least quickly understand it (both goals in technical communication). Thus, instead of having a graphic that really helps deliver our message, we have a graphic that is actually consuming our reader's time.

For technical, professional and business communication help in the Las Cruces, NM area, visit Lanier Infomedia. 

Last update: 27-03-2009 13:44