The curatorial dictionary · Glossary
What is

Negative Space.

Empty space around design elements, helping to separate and group items.

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— 01 / Definition

What is Negative Space?

Empty space around design elements, helping to separate and group items.

Across the Web Design Awards archive, this term recurs in jury notes, nominee reviews, and rubric evaluations. It shapes how craft is judged — from the first impression through to the details only a returning visitor notices. The award-winning work linked below shows the concept applied in practice, not just described in theory.

— 02 / Keep exploring

The vocabulary in practice.

Case studiesStudy recent winners

See how leading teams apply this concept across award-winning digital experiences.

View winners →CriteriaUnderstand our rubric

The criteria the editorial jury uses to evaluate craft, usability, and innovation.

Read the rubric →EditorialRead editorial insights

Dive deeper with stories and analysis from our editorial team.

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— 03 / Related terms

More from the glossary.

Predictive Analytics

The use of data and statistical algorithms to predict future outcomes based on historical data.

Serif

A set of rules regarding how colors interact and their psychological effects.

Interface Elements

Components of a user interface, such as buttons and icons.

User Research

Adapting Maslow's hierarchy to prioritize user needs from basic functional to higher-level psychological and…

Augmented Reality (AR)

An interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual…

Information Overload

A state of having too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic.

— The dictionary

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