Print vs Online design

The principles of design must be taken into account for both print and online material. Although there are many differences in design of the two mediums these principles still have to be demonstrated, but in varying ways. According to Reep (2006, p. 135) “the Principles of design are qualities important to any visual presentation regardless of topic or audience”.

The principles of design are; Balance, proportion, sequence, and consistency. The difference in the two mediums is evident in the way the audience reads the material or information. When reading from print, one will generally scan over the whole page from one point to anther. When print is presented the designers can choose to emphasise certain areas of information due to its importance, as well as including the use of graphics to attract emphasis. Online designs are constructed differently to help cater for the audiences roll in searching for information. Most website allow the reader to scroll down the page to follow the material or search for more information.

White space, colour and typography must also be taken into account when designing for print and online. White space is very beneficial to website designers because it allows for the audience to follow the information more efficiently (Reep 2006). Although white space is also useful in print design, it is evident that a lot more information can be packed into print mediums versus the online. This can be done because the audience will generally read from the top left hand corner, ending at the bottom right. The information is laid out in print with this in mind. This in comparison to reading, and scrolling down a webpage in search of information.

Image source: blog.bigpromotions.net/index.php/2009/02/
Reep, DC 2006, 'Document design', Technical writing: principle, strategies and readings, 6th edn, Pearson/Longman, New York