Since at least the birth of the graphical web browser, we’ve been used to read webpages vertically, from top to bottom. This has become such a given that it actually feels awkward to scroll horizontally in almost every app (web or desktop) I can remember. Point nr. 3 of this article by Mr. Jakob Nielsen (an article which, let’s face it, I would have never have found if it weren’t for Google) actually states that horizontal web-design is a mistake. But this was written in 2002.
In 2002 much of the market was still dominated by CRT screens, which in turn meant standard screens still had a squared aspect ratio. Nowadays, it’s almost 2009 and CRT’s have bitten the bullet, and the Widescreen aspect ratio is in to stay, it seems. So, is it time for us to start designing horizontally? Most sites we see today are vertical based, and they probably have a good reason to be so. For one thing, it’s how things were always done, and everyone who’s into usability knows tradition’s a big deal. Another reason is that maybe people don’t wish to waste that brand new spanking horizontal screen real estate on their web browser (I know Windows users only feel comfortable with every app maximized, but that’s another thing).
So if a transition from a vertical web to an horizontal one is going to happen, who will take the plunge? Obviously, experimental and artistic sites are optimal candidates. If an e-commerce website tries a gimmick like that, they’ll be gone before you can say “hey, horizontal scrolling!”. But a rock band or movie site might pull it off (since fans will put up with anything), and web designers everywhere might discover new ways to experience the web and consume information.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
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