Negative Calendar Space

How to apply a design concept to your calendar.

You may have heard about a concept called Negative Space. Said simply, negative space is the area between things.

The place for your eye to rest in a design.

The silence within music.

The margins and breaks on a webpage.

The space between characters in a typeface.

Negative space is important, because it allows you to appreciate the focus of the piece.

Design work can more effectively communicate a message when negative space is properly incorporated. The notes in a musical composition are more impactful when juxtaposed to silence. Margins increase the readability of text - either digitally or in a physical book.

Now think about your calendar.

Creating "Negative Calendar Space" allows your mind to rest between topics. It creates space for you to wrestle with concepts before transitioning to the next. It allows you to mentally change gears and prepare for what's coming.

Do you have enough negative space in your calendar between meetings and calls?

A few quick techniques I've found effective in creating negative calendar space:

- Schedule 45 minute meetings that start 15 minutes after the hour. Use that 15 minutes between calls to reflect on the previous topic and then prepare for the next. (5 minutes between meetings doesn't cut it).

- Block time after collaboration or ideation sessions to let yourself continue to ideate. You're already in that headspace - allow yourself time to follow your various thoughts to completion.

- Balance your calendar. If you have a morning of back-to-backs, try to keep your afternoon lighter. Or if your entire day is booked, give yourself space to reflect the following day.

Thanks for spending time with me in my workshop,

Eric