Screen VS Print document design

Figure 1: Print document

Retrieved from: http://www.infobritain.co.uk/british_library_newspaper_library.htm

With the influence of the new media in today’s age, traditional media such as the newspaper are still going into print day after day and it’s still being sold in large numbers. I guess some things are meant to stay. Although reading it on screen is so much convenient and effortless, people are still reading the physical papers simply because it is straight forward and reading friendly.

When comparing screen and print document design, in-terms of layout, print document has a 2-dimensional interface where the layout for each design unit is fixed with a large canvas size for most print documents, a single page could accommodate more content as compared to screen documents. Screen document operates on a 1-dimensional interface where a page is only permissible on a screen at a time. And since screens are usually smaller than a canvas, and to add to that, screens on mobile devices are even way smaller, the layout for screen document are therefore limited. The used of visuals are also being downsized due to the fact that readers may need to scroll or stretch the screen in order to read the whole content (Dyson, 2004).

There’s a great variation in writing structure for both screen and print documents. In print document, the writing structure is much more comprehensive. This is because the writing is done in chronological order and is very much controlled. Readers usually read print documents from left to right, and this would cover the whole content that is being laid out. According to Nielsen (2003), people generally spend more time reading print documents rather than screen documents. He also went on to explain that the writing structure in screen documents must be short and straight to the point, this is because readers attention spam on screen are always on the move as they spot something in between. Instead of reading word for word, readers normally focus on headlines, summaries and caption to grasp on the particular story. Writing in screen documents should be simple and hard words are usually avoided.

Figure 2: Screen document

Retrieved from: http://mashable.com/2009/03/06/seattle-p-i-might-try-online-only-version-of-newspaper/

Navigation on a screen document is far more superior to the print document as in screen documents, readers are free to browse the entire document and click on tags and links from one document that would lead them to another document. By doing so, it creates a lasting impact than just seeing. Whereas navigation on a print document is only limited to page turning. What you flip is what you will see (Nielsen, 1999). This is a fascinating discussion but to me, which document is better, will depend on the type of user.

References

Dyson., M.,C., (2004). How physical texts layout affects reading from screen. (Online). Available at: http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060729105544/psychology/images/e/eb/Dyson,_M_C_%282004%29.pdf (Accessed on: 26/08/2011).

Nielsen., J., (2003). Web Writing vs. Print Writing. (Online). Available at: http://www.kerryr.net/webwriting/guide_web-vs-print.htm (Accessed on: 26/08/2011)

Nielsen., J/. (1999). Differences between print design and web design. (Online). Available at: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html (Accessed on: 26/08/2011).