Screen Vs. Print Design

Regardless of screen or print documents, the most important function or intention for both of these modes is to provide visual communication where it creates relevant arrangement and delivery of text to readers. Hilligoss and Howard also pointed out similar views by stating:

“Visual design contributes to your ethos or credibility. Design that respects readers’ knowledge supports a text’s ethical appeal, while [inapt] format or jarring visual choices may make ... document less credible.”

(2002, p.6)

However it is crucial to identify differences in layout and writing structures of both screen and print document:

Website (Screen)

 

IMAGE 1: Website Layout

(Image source: http://slodive.com , 2011)

The first noticeable consideration in the image above is that it had a lower quality resolution where it is easier for readers with lesser download bit-rate to load the page; however this will compromise the quality and delivery to readers.

Secondly, websites are catered for selective reading and focuses on navigation, different from print. For example the website shows panels and clickable boxes where information relationships are temporary and part of user movement and interaction (Nielsen, 1999).

Lastly, the colour selection for the website background is not aiding the readers as it lacks of attentive focus and will confuse them. The colours would probably work in a magazine rather than on websites.

 

Magazine Spread ( Print Design)

 

IMAGE 2: Magazine Layout

 (Image source: http://penyouin.blogspot.com , 2011)

The first consideration for the spread above is that in comparison to websites, the magazine is more 2-dimensional than 1 dimensional and the layout is paid most attention for as the canvas is much bigger and wider.

Subsequently, magazine uses page turning as a navigation method and it is considered one of printed immense benefit (Nielsen, 1999) and content is controlled by publisher and readers cannot choose what to read as in is interrelated with the next page.

Lastly, the magazine also incorporated framing into the layout as it makes readers easier to read and follow through the course of how it was written. The red ink for the first paragraph depicts the most salient element whereby the element that first draws the viewer's attention (Kress and van Leeuwen, 2006, p. 204). 

REFERENCE LIST:

Hilligoss, S., Howard, T., 2002, “Visual Communication: A Writer’s Guide”, 2^nd edn, Pearson Education Limited, United States of America.

[Available Online]:

http://www.ablongman.com/mycomplab_content/pdf/long_hilligoss.pdf

Kress, G., van Leeuwen, T., 2006, “Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design”, 2^nd edn, Routledge Publications, Great Britain.

Nielsen, J., 1999, “Differences between Print Design and Web Design”, useit.com, Viewed 13^th April 2012

[Available Online]:

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html