Comparing Print and Web Design

Based on "Differences between Print Design and Web Design" from Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox, published in January 1999.

Dimensions

Print design is considered 2-dimensional, and most print layout is made to fit a fixed-size canvas.

Web design is considered 1-dimensional and N-dimensional, and the visual experience for the user is described as “scrolling” in contrast to the “canvas” experience of print media.

Navigation

Print design navigation is essentially page turning, which is much simpler than the navigation design of websites.

Web design must take into consideration the appearance of links and the “information architecture” of a website in order to be effective. The “feel” of a design is very important.

Canvas Size

Print design usually has a larger canvas to work with than Web design.

Web design is typically working with a smaller canvas than print design but need to be flexible enough to work well on small laptop computers that will remain small and portable as well as large desktop computers that continue to become available in bigger sizes.

Interactivity

Print design may engage a reader through text, but is limited in its ability to interact with the reader.

Web design may allow for more impact on a reader because of the users ability to engage in finding information, but web design must take into consideration response time and resolution in order for the interactivity to be a positive engagement.