Spacing is a fundamental aspect of visual design that impacts readability, hierarchy, and overall user experience. Proper use of spacing can guide the user's eye, group related elements, and create a sense of order and balance in your interface.

Key considerations
Key considerations
Key considerations
  1. How can we use spacing to create visual hierarchy and improve readability?

  1. Consider the relationship between different elements and how spacing can emphasize or de-emphasize them.

  2. Example: In Cluster, use more generous spacing around primary actions like "Create New Cluster" to make them stand out.

  1. What layout patterns (e.g., grid, columns, whitespace) will best organize the content?

  1. Determine the most appropriate layout structure for your content and user goals.

  2. Example: Implement a flexible grid system for Cluster's content cards, allowing them to reflow based on screen size while maintaining consistent spacing.

  1. How does spacing change across different screen sizes and resolutions?

  1. Plan for how your spacing will adapt responsively to various devices.

  2. Example: On mobile devices, reduce the spacing between Cluster's content cards to maximize the use of limited screen real estate.

  1. Are we using consistent spacing units throughout the interface?

  1. Establish a spacing scale and stick to it for consistency.

  2. Example: Define a base spacing unit (e.g., 8px) for Cluster and use multiples of this unit throughout the interface.

Best practices
Best practices
Best practices
  • Use a consistent spacing system based on a defined scale.

Example

In Cluster, use a spacing scale of 8px, 16px, 24px, 32px, etc., to maintain visual rhythm across the interface.

  • Apply the principle of proximity to group related elements.

Example

Keep related actions within a Cluster content card (e.g., "Edit," "Delete," "Share") closer together, separated from the content itself.

  • Use generous whitespace around important elements to draw attention.

Example

Add ample padding around the "Generate AI Summary" button in Cluster to make it more prominent.

  • Ensure sufficient spacing between interactive elements for touch targets.

Example

Maintain at least 48x48px touch targets with adequate spacing for buttons and other tappable elements in Cluster's mobile interface.

  • Be consistent with line spacing (leading) in text elements.

Example

Use consistent line spacing for all body text in Cluster, such as 1.5 times the font size for optimal readability.

  • Use spacing to create a clear visual hierarchy.

Example

In Cluster's dashboard, use larger vertical spacing between different sections (e.g., "Recent Clusters," "Trending Topics") than between items within each section.

  • Adjust spacing based on the density of information required.

Example

Use tighter spacing in Cluster's data-dense areas like analytics charts, but more generous spacing in content creation areas.

  • Consider the balance between elements and negative space.

Example

In Cluster's content editor, balance the spacing of toolbars and editing area to create a focused, uncluttered environment.