What does the term "negative space" refer to in design?

The term "negative space" in design refers to the space left blank around and between design elements. This space is crucial because it allows the design to breathe and highlights the main elements, making them stand out more effectively. Negative space can help to create balance in a design, allowing the viewer's eye to navigate the composition without feeling cluttered. Effective use of negative space can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing and functional design, enhancing readability and focusing attention on important features.

In contrast, other options like colors used to fill text or the background image of a layout do not address the concept of negative space directly. They pertain more to the actual content or visual elements rather than the intentional absence of content that defines negative space. The content area of a webpage is similarly about presence rather than the absence that characterizes negative space.