The Dark Side of Infinite Scroll: Why It’s Time to Rethink Your Website’s Design
A Brief History of Scrolling
To understand the true impact of infinite scroll, let’s take a step back and explore the origins of scrolling. The term “scroll” dates back to the 1400s, when it referred to a roll of parchment or paper used to store lengthy content, such as religious texts. As computers became a part of our daily lives, the need to navigate through large pieces of content gave rise to innovative scrolling solutions.
The Evolution of Scrolling
In the early days of the internet, UX designers experimented with various ways to page and scroll content. Before the web was popular, we scrolled lines on our screens, and horizontal scrolls allowed us to navigate the computer screen. The invention of windows enabled us to view multiple pieces of content simultaneously. When webpages emerged, scrolling became an essential tool for navigating through vast amounts of information.
The Problems with Infinite Scroll
While infinite scroll may seem like a convenient solution, it can be disorienting, uncontrollable, and stressful for users. Imagine trying to find the footer of a website, only to realize that it’s impossible to reach the bottom of the page. Infinite scroll makes it difficult for users to find what they’re looking for, especially on item-based lists where users want to find specific items.
Lack of Control and Statelessness
Infinite scroll takes away user control, as scroll events are triggered without intention. This can lead to jumping glitches and a sense of frustration. Moreover, infinite scroll designs are stateless, making it impossible for users to share their current state or for analytics tools to track user actions.
When to Use Infinite Scroll (and When Not To)
Infinite scroll can be beneficial in certain cases, such as social media applications where users navigate through timelines. However, for e-commerce, news, magazine, or blog websites, infinite scroll can be a nightmare for users. Instead, consider using “load more” buttons or traditional pagination methods that give users control and allow them to navigate easily.
Rethinking Your Website’s Design
It’s time to rethink the way we design websites. By providing users with more control, allowing them to navigate freely, and giving them a sense of orientation, we can create better digital experiences. So, stop building websites with infinite scroll and start designing with the user in mind.