Our brains are hardwired for efficiency. 💡

👉 Studies in visual processing show that we group and interpret visual information based on proximity, similarity, and other principles. This idea is known as Gestalt psychology.

Gestalt comes from the German word for "form" or "whole." It emphasises that the brain sees the whole before its parts. This means we tend to see objects and patterns as unified entities, even when presented with fragmented elements. 💡

In design, therefore, whitespace, the seemingly empty space between elements, is not just an aesthetic choice, but a science-backed tool for optimising user experience. 🌟

By strategically manipulating whitespace, we can leverage the power of the Gestalt principles.

Whitespace creates a clear visual distinction between elements. It lets our brains group related information and see what's important.

This translates into a more intuitive and satisfying interaction for users, as they can easily navigate the interface and grasp the presented information.

👉 How to use whitespace effectively?

1️⃣ Spacious Margins: Avoid cramming elements to the edges of the screen. Ample margins create a sense of visual containment and prevent the user from feeling claustrophobic.

2️⃣ Leading: As mentioned earlier, proper leading between lines of text is crucial for readability. The ideal amount of leading depends on the size and style of your font, but a good rule of thumb is to use around 1.2 to 1.6 times the font size as your leading value.

3️⃣ Distinct Groupings: Use whitespace to separate sections of content, like product categories or blog posts. This visual distinction helps users scan and understand the overall layout of the interface.