When it comes to publishing for online and print, it differs in many ways as both are of different mediums transmitted through different ways although they both share a few elements (e.g. the need of white space, proper framing, complimenting the document with images).
Designing for online becomes a whole different story because there are several given abilities that overshadow print. Links, keyword searches, animated headlines and graphic advertisements are now taken into consideration as it affects the readability of the document. Readers online are known to be impatient, hence document designers should be cautious about elements added to it. Large amount of images and graphics would cause a slow page load, hence leaving its readers to turn away after a count of 5 seconds. Readers also read in an F-shaped pattern according to Nielsen's new eyetracking study (UseIt.com, 2007). Headlines have to be short, precise and catchy, as longer words require longer attention span and colours are to be in the RGB mode.
The F Pattern
Source: Jakob Nielsen; www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html
Online version of Junk Magazine
www.junkonline.net
When it comes to print, readers read from left to right and in a Z pattern. They have a longer attention span compared to reading online publication while the colour model used is CMYK.
Cover of Junk Magazine
Page spread of Junk Magazine
References
Nielsen J., F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content, UseIt.com, viewed 11 November 2008,
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html>
Nielsen J., Writing Style for Print vs. Web, UseIt.com, viewed 11 November 2008,
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/print-vs-online-content.html>
Designing for online becomes a whole different story because there are several given abilities that overshadow print. Links, keyword searches, animated headlines and graphic advertisements are now taken into consideration as it affects the readability of the document. Readers online are known to be impatient, hence document designers should be cautious about elements added to it. Large amount of images and graphics would cause a slow page load, hence leaving its readers to turn away after a count of 5 seconds. Readers also read in an F-shaped pattern according to Nielsen's new eyetracking study (UseIt.com, 2007). Headlines have to be short, precise and catchy, as longer words require longer attention span and colours are to be in the RGB mode.
The F PatternSource: Jakob Nielsen; www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html
Online version of Junk Magazinewww.junkonline.net
When it comes to print, readers read from left to right and in a Z pattern. They have a longer attention span compared to reading online publication while the colour model used is CMYK.
Cover of Junk Magazine
Page spread of Junk MagazineReferences
Nielsen J., F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content, UseIt.com, viewed 11 November 2008,
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html>
Nielsen J., Writing Style for Print vs. Web, UseIt.com, viewed 11 November 2008,
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/print-vs-online-content.html>
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