What percentage of a page should ideally consist of illustrations and white space?

The ideal percentage of a page that should consist of illustrations and white space is generally considered to be around 40%. This percentage strikes a balance between text and visual elements, making the material more engaging and easier for readers to process. Illustrations can enhance understanding by providing visual representations of concepts that may be complex when described solely through text. Similarly, white space plays a crucial role in readability by helping to avoid clutter, guiding the reader’s eye smoothly across the page, and improving overall comprehension.

While options suggesting lower or higher percentages might provide some visual appeal, they may not be as effective as the 40% target. A lower percentage of illustrations and white space might lead to a dense page that could overwhelm the reader, while a significantly higher percentage could dilute the message, making important information less accessible. Thus, the 40% standard helps maintain a visually appealing layout that supports learning and retention of information.