Television user interface designs do not often make the best use of white space, but it is a crucial element for enhancing comprehension, focus, and user experience. White space, when used appropriately, can result in a more enjoyable, efficient, and effective interface that makes it simpler for viewers to explore content. By incorporating judicious and strategic white space, designers can enhance the overall usability of the interface.
Effective designing for television requires a thorough comprehension of user experience (UX) principles. The strategic deployment of white space is one of the persistent challenges faced when designing for television, with numerous TV applications in the current market not using white space adequately, or not at all. Busy visuals hinder the achievement of corporate objectives, which makes it regrettable to see this opportunity for improving television UIs being missed.
This is a brief summary of what white space is and why it holds significance in your TV application.
The primary and most important…
What is the definition of white space?
White space refers to the unoccupied area that has no text or graphics present.
This holds significance because even a background graphic may be considered as white space if there is no content placed over it.
What is the significance of this?
It is natural for business owners to perceive white space as an opportunity to display additional content, with the aim of providing as much information to their customers as possible. However, overwhelming customers with too much information can result in them experiencing “decision paralysis,” wherein individuals find it difficult to make decisions due to being overwhelmed. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge that something as simple as white space holds a significant impact.
Hick’s Law or the Hick-Hyman Law is a principle developed by British and American psychologists, William Edmund Hick and Ray Hyman. This law explains the time an individual requires to make decisions based on the number of available options. As the number of options increases, the decision-making time increases logarithmically.
This poses a significant challenge when we think about the fundamental idea of TV apps- CHOICE! Have you ever been scrolling through a vast selection of television and film options, and yet unable to make a choice? This is not because of a dearth of quality content, but because of disorganisation. With so many options, the mind can become overwhelmed, and it may not be possible to process each option. Maintaining a clear structure and demarcation between options can assist in making the decision-making process more manageable and straightforward.
Designers consider white space as the empty space on a page that offers room for the eyes to rest.
Designers recognise that white space assists users in focusing on and comprehending the material they intend to view.
Embrace White Space
White space assumes a critical role in the design of television applications, given that users tend to be in a more relaxed state while selecting options from a distance. By incorporating a balanced blend of content and white space, we assist in making this process more accessible for them.
When utilised efficiently, white space can have a profound influence on the design and user experience. The spacing between elements in designs and layouts delivers aesthetic appeal and simplifies decision-making for the user. White space also enhances text readability and enriches user engagement with the content. By eliminating diversions, white space helps to concentrate the user’s attention and direct them towards selecting an option.
As per the study conducted by Human Factors International, white space enhances user comprehension by nearly 20%.
Let us examine how white space provides room for breath and influences decision-making.
White space creates clear demarcations that guide a user’s focus towards the content you wish them to view.
The Hulu Live application utilises white space to great effect; their implementation of a prominent backdrop image instead of traditional billboard artwork is a prime example. This technique is engaging and visually stunning while serving as an exemplary model of maximising the available storage space.
Studies show that white space integration in designs can decrease cognitive stress and improve decision-making. According to a report by Fast Co Design, white space addition is more than merely reducing visual clutter as it offers several vital benefits. Precisely, white space can:
- Improve comprehension
- Clarify the ties among interactive elements
- Attract and retain users’ focus
Designing an efficient user interface is not exclusively about aesthetics; incorporating white space is equally crucial. Focusing on visual white space, layout white space, text white space, and content white space considerably enhances user comprehension. This leads to an improved user experience as the eyes are naturally drawn towards optimally presented content. Furthermore, it is critical to ensure that images placed adjacent to one another remain distinct to prevent ambiguity. As the age-old adage goes, “Less is more,” making it essential to utilise white space effectively.
Incorporate white space to elevate your designs and assist in decision-making.
With a reduction in the amount of cognitive energy required to navigate the user interface, we can create an engaging and pleasant user experience. The use of white space can foster a feeling of equilibrium and consistency throughout the user’s journey.
Integration of White Space
White space is a crucial element of contemporary television design that is often neglected or misused. While content is undoubtedly vital in any television application, occupying the entire screen with it is unnecessary. White space can be a straightforward yet powerful design element that should be included in all television applications. Not only is it modern and eye-catching, but it has also been shown to help users choose the content they wish to view.
