Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by UX World
Visual storytelling is not a new concept. It has been around for centuries, used in paintings, comics, and even early forms of animation.
In recent years, however, scrollytelling has become an increasingly popular way to tell stories, especially on the web.
Web creators have used this technique to create some truly amazing and immersive stories, and it’s a technique that shows no signs of slowing down.
What is Scrollytelling?
Scrollytelling is a specific type of visual storytelling that uses scrolling as a way to control the pace of the story.
It is often used on websites and in digital publications, where readers can scroll down to reveal new elements of the story, such as images, videos, or blocks of text.
It can be just a single page full of information with no end, or it can be used to link together multiple pages or even an entire website.
Scrolling is Just Not Good Enough
The first reason why web creators love scrollytelling is that it allows them to create stories that would be impossible to tell in any other way.
Scrolling on its own is a relatively simple and passive act, but when used in scrollytelling, it becomes an active and engaging way to control the story.
This type of storytelling also allows for a more immersive experience, as readers are not bombarded with huge information all at once.
Instead, they can take their time and really appreciate the story as they scroll through it.
Scrollytelling Can Make Infographics Look Good
The second reason why scrollytelling is so popular is that it can make even the most complex data more understandable and engaging.
In the past, infographics were often static images that could be difficult to understand.
With this technique, however, creators can use interactive elements and animations to bring their data to life and make it more understandable.
This is especially useful for data that is time-sensitive, such as financial data or news stories.
Creators can ensure that their readers will be able to understand and appreciate the information they are presenting.
It’s Not Just For Articles
While scrollytelling is often used for articles and stories, it can also be used for other types of content, such as product pages and case studies.
This technique can be used to highlight the key features of a product or to show the results of a project in an understandable manner.
In fact, it can be used for just about any type of content that can be scrolled through. For example, it is a great solution for anyone who’s thinking about making some website changes.
Scrollytelling Creates an Emotional Connection
Since the act of scrolling allows readers to control the pace of the story, scrollytelling can make it more personal and intimate.
Consequently, it can create an emotional connection with the reader.
In addition, the use of visuals and animation can add another layer of emotion to the story.
Why is Scrollytelling Important in UI/UX Design?
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers are always looking for ways to create more engaging and immersive experiences for users.
- The goal is to make the user’s interaction with the product as smooth and enjoyable as possible. For instance, the best UX design company will take into account the user’s needs, wants, and expectations when creating a new product.
- The main job of UX designers is to create interfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to use. Scrollytelling can be a valuable tool for achieving this goal.
- It can be a great way to engage users and keep them scrolling through your content. If done well, it can make your content more visually interesting and engaging, which can lead to more time spent on your site or app.
- It can also be used to simplify complex information and make it more digestible for users.
- By breaking down information into smaller, more manageable chunks and using visuals to tell the story, scrollytelling can help users understand complex concepts more easily.
- Finally, it can be a great way to add an element of interactivity to your content. When used in conjunction with other interactive elements, such as hover states or animations, scrollytelling can help create an engaging user experience.
Conclusion
Scrollytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to engage users, simplify complex information, and add an element of interactivity to your content.
When used in UI/UX design, it can help create more usable and enjoyable experiences for users.
Both web creators and users can benefit from the use of this amazing technique.
Learn UX Design
To learn more on how to design better experiences, consider the Interaction Design Foundation’s (IDF) online courses on User Research – Methods and Best Practices.
Apart from courses, webinars, and bootcamps, the IDF is also home to the biggest and most authoritative library of open-source UX Design Resources. Check out the free UX Literature here.
In addition, the UX Academy offers world-class 1-on-1 online training in UX design, access to a vibrant community, and help to get a product design job.
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