Website Design: Page Fold Is No Barrier for Online Browsers
Posted on 21. Oct, 2009 by Matthew Toren in Websites
The phrase “above the fold” originated in the newspaper industry and referred to the relative importance of a story according to the position it was placed on the page. This typically referred to the traditional broadsheet style but could also be used with a tabloid. A story that was printed above the fold was more likely to be read than one printed beneath, most specially when the paper was folded up and not in use!
In a somewhat arcane reference to this, webmasters sometimes refer to an item that does not appear on your screen when you first view it as being below the “page fold.” They contend that if visitors need to scroll down to see any content it is less likely to be viewed as often as if it were above the fold, thereby inferring that all your important information, graphics, links or buttons should be treated appropriately.
However, time and again this has proven to be incorrect. Almost everyone is used to the concept of scrolling up or down and many people surf with their hand on the mouse, finger poised to scroll at any time! In any case, given the dimensions of the typical browser screens and monitor layout it can be all but impossible to get your message across with style and composition otherwise.
Some webmasters advocate that you should design your page to encourage people to scroll. In other words, keep your hard hitting statements or graphics higher up, leaving a crumb trail for people to follow as they scroll down.
There are certain key points to remember:
• Try and avoid significant horizontal lines or bars, especially if they are at or around the natural “fold” position. If visitors can see the bar at the bottom of the screen it may well suggest to them that this is the footer and they may stop right there.
• Try and avoid the use of frames on your page, with scrollbars included. At the least this can be confusing and somewhat annoying to the visitor if he or she has to use the main browser scrollbar as well as your in-page scrollbar.
• Always try and break up your page and encourage natural exploration. Content management system style layouts are ideal for giving visitors a tidbit of information at a time and showing them that you have a variety of different areas for them to explore.
By referring to web heat maps we can get an idea where our visitors typically scan. Reference has again shown that screen size is not a barrier for scrolling. We’re not advocating that you hide all your “gems” beneath the fold, but rather take into account some of the tips in this article and make your webpage composition enjoyable to behold.
We would love you to share your web design tips.
Matthew Toren
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9 Responses to “Website Design: Page Fold Is No Barrier for Online Browsers”
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PS3
21. Oct, 2009
Yes, we are all used to scrolling up and down but how much nicer it is to find a site where you don’t have to. That is not always possible and I agree that frames are a no no, but simple is still best.
Robert Reynard
22. Oct, 2009
When you talk about the necessity to place important information above the fold, you go on to write “time and again this has proven to be incorrect”. How has it been proven to be incorrect? Can you point out some sources of more information on this topic?
Dape
23. Oct, 2009
The page has to be use friendly and interesting, central to whats on offer. What tends to annoy me is when the product is straight in your face without any information or lead-on.
Spyder Works Inc.
23. Oct, 2009
I agree that a little bit of scrolling is okay, but when a page scrolls on and on forever, the content really needs to be broken up and dispersed over more than one page. You wrote, “Try and avoid the use of frames on your page, with scrollbars included. At the least this can be confusing and somewhat annoying to the visitor if he or she has to use the main browser scrollbar as well as your in-page scrollbar.” — I think that this is a gross understatement. In this day and age no one should use frames at all… ever. Frames are counterproductive to SEO and they are a very old technology that really dates a site.
internet
24. Oct, 2009
A perfect choice of colors is always significant. Colors give words to your website and present the true reflection of great insight into graphics and arts skills of a web designer. So, using appropriate colors is essential for a decent website design.
Web Design Beach
26. Oct, 2009
Simplicity is the way to go with. Description and service should go for service presentation.
Briefcases
27. Oct, 2009
While people are more used to scrolling, it is still extremely important what is included above the fold. That concept can’t be completely discounted. If the first impression of the above the fold content is not good enough, the visitor will leave before seeing what’s further below.
PS3
06. Nov, 2009
are there any websites using this trick already? i’d love to see them!
bailey button triplet boots
12. Aug, 2011
hat concept can’t be completely discounted. If the first impression of the above the fold content is not good enough, the visitor will leave before seeing what’s further below.