The Geometry of Margins
Margins provide physical affordance and visual resting space.
Breathing Room vs Screen Real Estate
A common mistake in mobile reading apps is pushing text entirely to the edge to maximize words per screen. This ignores the thumb placement zone and the psychological need for whitespace.
Proper margin distribution accounts for a 20% reduction in reported eye strain over an hour of reading (Human Factors Study, 2021).
Common Margin Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical mobile margins | Thumbs cover the text on the active holding side. | Asymmetrical padding based on dominant hand settings or physical bezels. |
Margin Calculator
FAQ
What is the golden ratio for margins?
For digital text, it's less about the golden ratio and more about physical constraints. Target at least 0.5 inches of physical space.
Explore the Architecture
Connect this concept to the broader system: