Why do modern pages leave so much white space?

Tom Castiglia You raised concerns about the excessive white space present on the sides of modern SharePoint pages, particularly in Team Sites. This issue has been a long-standing frustration for many users, as it can make pages appear unfinished or unprofessional, especially on larger screens or higher resolutions.

Despite its persistence, this behavior seems to be an intentional design choice by Microsoft, potentially aimed at improving readability or accommodating responsive design principles. However, I understand the limitations this design imposes, as it restricts the ability to fully utilize the available screen real estate, which could be beneficial for content that requires a wider layout.

While workarounds like adding vertical sections or using alternative layouts like Communication Sites have been suggested, these solutions may not be suitable for all use cases. To address this concern, I will initiate a comprehensive evaluation of our organization's specific requirements and usage scenarios for SharePoint. This evaluation will involve gathering feedback from stakeholders and end-users to understand the impact of the white space issue on their productivity and user experience.

Based on the findings, I will develop a plan of action that may include submitting a formal feature request to Microsoft, emphasizing the need for more flexible layout options or the ability to customize the content area width. Additionally, I will explore potential interim solutions, such as investigating third-party tools, custom CSS, or alternative platforms that offer greater control over content presentation. Throughout this process, I will maintain open communication with stakeholders and end-users, keeping them informed of the progress and any updates or recommendations from Microsoft.

If necessary, I will escalate the matter through appropriate channels to ensure our organization's needs are adequately addressed. Ultimately, my goal is to provide a SharePoint experience that maximizes productivity, visual appeal, and user satisfaction, while aligning with our organization's specific requirements and best practices. Rest assured, I am committed to finding a resolution that effectively addresses the white space issue and ensures our SharePoint environment meets the highest standards of usability and functionality.