>>>> svenhassel
"This is the right time to implement an optional background image and some blank space between the tiles.
It doesn't make sense on 4 inches, but on 6, hell yeah."
It's all about scale. And good design has no size constraints, only efforts put forth.
>>>> onysi
"If u know how to arrange empty spaces and blocks, it can look beautiful."
Ahhhh, the crux of the matter....space.
Since this thread is focusing on WP8 users design choices, I thought perhaps some sources on design might be useful for ref in making these choices. And since white/negative space and use thereof has been mentioned, some refs specific as to the value of white space in aesthetic design might also be useful.
A few targeted items I found of interest...
The Value of Whitespace | Canister Creative
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The Value of White space
Just because it is empty does not mean it is unnecessary...More white space is usually desirable?but not just any white space will do, it does need to be well-designed white space. It needs to be used in conjunction with all the other design elements at the designer?s disposal (which are: line, value, texture, motion, shape, colour, typography, image, grid, movement, balance, emphasis, and unity.)
Clutter can be beautiful
There is another more positive meaning that can be associated with cluttered, crowded, full-packed designs: energy....The trick is always to use these tactics strategically to support the goals of the design and client, and not to use them unintentionally or haphazardly (which usually works against those goals).
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Why whitespace matters | Boagworld - Web & Digital Advice
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Why white space matters
- Improved legibility
- Higher comprehension
- Increased attention ? white space can also be a powerful way of drawing the users attention to a particular screen element.
- Creates the right tone
Enemies of white space
Trying to say too much - another common reason for white space being removed from a design is because there is a desire to communicate too much information at one time.
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Negative Space in Webpage Layouts: A Guide
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The Theory of Negativity
Negative space does not have to be white, or even solid in color. It can contain gradients, patterns or background objects.
Negative Space is Not Minimalism?contrary to popular misconceptions, proper use of negative space has nothing to do with minimalism.
Simplifying a Design to Basic Shapes to See Negative Space
Good layouts are not defined by the amount of negative space, but by the distribution of it.
Complex design
Complex design has a carefully structured volume of negative space between objects. Unique objects have been given similar spacing, while groups of objects have been placed closer together. This is the concept of proximity. Simply put, if two items on the page belong together conceptually, place them closer to each other than to other objects.
Effective use
Effective use of negative space is not a matter of quantity (e.g. "more is better than less"), it?s a matter of proper utilization.... improving your layouts means analyzing the current amount and appropriateness of the empty space in your design.
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Where Does This Design Succeed And Fail? - Vanseo Design
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Where Does...Design Succeed And Fail?
Use of space as an active tool
A good balance between positive and negative space...leads your eye through the design instead of sitting there passive as a result of it not being considered.
Visual hierarchy
The most important elements stand out. Less important elements fade into the background. Size, color, value, space, and contrast have been used to give different elements different visual weights. The priority of each element is being communicated visually.
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So there?s something to possibly think about when creating your Start page design. I would add utility since besides being a palette for design, the phone is also a tool that we'd like to put to its most effective use. Microsoft has touted the individuality and uniqueness of the WP8 in its ad campaigns. But Microsoft has also given us a great gift, albeit possibly unintentionally, that being the ability to design our own space...and to design it in a way that fits and maximizes our usage and tastes. I would add that design can also be a thing of beauty?with a little thought.
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