Design: Print versus Web

According to Jakob Nielson, there are a number of differences that clearly divides print and web design. They are dimensionality, navigation, response time, resolution, canvas size, multimedia and interactivity.

Print design is 2-dimensional, focusing solely on the layout whereas web design is simultaneously 1-dimensional and N-dimensional as it does not so much so focus on the layout of the web page. Plus, it uses a scrolling experience to render all elements as users will scroll in different direction as they please.

In print, the only navigation for users are by simply turning the pages of the print material. Web design on the other hand has navigation such as links. It directs users to the next page or to other related sites.

Newspaper layout with spreadsheet and high resolution image

In terms of response time, resolution and canvas size; print definite outrank the web anytime. Browsing and flipping through a newspaper or a magazine is without a doubt faster than online publications. Readers will not have to hassle with having to wait for a page to load. Apart from that, image quality of print publication is getting better these day. Moreover, the size of visible spaces in print is probably double the size of a computer screen. There's only so wide a personal computer screen can be. As if that's not all, readers also find that its easier to read text on print rather than having to read it on the screen.

Two column layout with navigation menu and other internal option links

Despite all that there is to print design, web design has their own advantages. This is where multimedia comes in. The Web allows audio and visual effects. Users are free to watch videos and listen to voice clips, thus engaging more to web design. Furthermore, the web is highly interact-able where users can click on links for games downloading videos. A great amount of engagement from the users are mostly attracted to the interactive visualization only provided by the Internet and web design.

References:

Nielsen, J 1999, Print vs. web design, 24 January, viewed 11 November 2008,
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html>

Parker, Roger C 2003, ‘Chapter 14’ in Looking Good in Print, 5th edition, Scootsdale, Arizona.