In websites, scrolling cards are a delightful scrolling experience the prolongs the attention span and interest of the user. Scrolling cards are an important element in creative experiences. It lets the user adjust the pace, delivery and interactivity of the content.
Types of Scrolling Cards
There are three main types of scrolling cards used in websites. Card style interfaces, vertical scrolling style interfaces and horizontal scrolling style interfaces. Each pattern has its own flairs and its own drawbacks. It can really spice up your website if used correctly.
Scrolling Card Style Interfaces
Scrolling card style interfaces are very popular due to its adaptability with responsive frameworks. This type of style interface is used to display large amounts of content that can be easily seen and understood. Each card is a boxed area that represents unique information. Pinterest and Twitter are two big examples that use this format.
Scrolling card style interfaces only work when each card stands out on the website. Therefore, the use of white space is important to consider. Simple typography with short and concise sentences also go a long way in scrolling card style interfaces. A masonry grid layout is the most commonly used as the content is easily aligned and digestible. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with uneven layouts to achieve a more eccentric approach to your website.
Vertical Scrolling Style Interface
The vertical scrolling style interface is the more modern interface. The visual cues used in this type of interface guide the user to encourage specific interactions. A long vertical scrolling style interface is the most common layout as each webpage fills the screen allowing for more engaging visual creativity. Websites that use this interface often tell a story as the use of scroll-triggered animation between webpages can take the user through a journey.
Avoid using too much content to fill up the white space of each page can make the user lose track and break the immersive experience of navigating through your website. Make the context easy and clear for the user and use visual cues to guide the user on the interactions you want them to take.
Horizontal Scrolling Style Interface
The horizontal scrolling style interface is the less popular interface compared to the vertical scrolling style as it violates the expectation of users. Users naturally expect to scroll down and up, not left to right. However, when done correctly, it can make a website more appealing, fun and engaging. Just make sure to organise the content in a way that is easy to use, visually apparent and ensure the main navigation is visible at all times.
Which Scrolling Cards Style Interface is the Best?
All the scrolling card style interfaces outlined has its pros and cons. The most important thing to consider is to decide which interface will convey your message and story while maintaining the purpose of the website. It’s important to keep things simple and clear, but don’t limit yourself. Be creative and explore all the scrolling card styles to add compelling and aesthetically pleasing content.