Why is white space important in design?

White space, also known as negative space, plays a crucial role in design by enhancing balance and focus within a composition. By strategically incorporating white space, designers can guide the viewer's attention toward important elements, such as text or images, allowing them to stand out against the background. This creates a cleaner, more organized layout that improves readability and overall visual appeal.

Additionally, appropriate use of white space contributes to the overall aesthetics of the design, helping to establish a sense of harmony and proportion. It allows elements to breathe, preventing a cluttered appearance, which can overwhelm the viewer. The absence of too much text or imagery helps to create a clear distinction between various components of the design, emphasizing the key messages or calls to action.

Other options suggest incorrect interpretations of white space in design. For instance, adding color or avoiding white space entirely undermines its purpose and value, while the belief that it is only relevant in print design disregards its importance in digital contexts as well.