There are many ‘Web Design Myths’, usability and design constraints that clients request having once heard that this is best practice. Most of these have come from the good old days of web design or even from constraints imposed on printed media. It is very often the job of a web designer to gently dispel these myths and dissuade clients from forcing them upon their site designs.

One such myth is the myth of the page fold, the point at which a user needs to scroll down to access content on your site. It was said that users would not scroll the page down meaning all content on your homepage should sit above this virtual line. The term originates from newspapers where the attention grabbing headlines would appear ‘above the fold’ so as to be seen on the newsstands.

Although Jakob Nielson, the self confessed usability guru and friend to all web designers was a big advocate of ‘above the fold’ content layout recent studies utilizing eye tracking software have shown that users almost always spend some time looking at the scrollbar to assess the size of a page.

The study carried out by U.K.-based design agency, CXPartners of 800 users recorded only 3 occasions where users struggled to scroll beyond the virtual fold line. The study also found having less above the fold actually encouraged exploration below the fold, completely dispelling the page fold myth.

As web designer’s we know that usability is as important as compelling content, leading users to the stickiest content first is common sense but trying to cram everything above the fold is just not good practice.

Next week: Debunking the Myth of the Tavistock Badger.

(Opinion: Simon Farow – Head of Digital)