156: Thou shall understand designing “above the fold” in both print and online

Commentary Designing a layout on your screen is a far cry from how it will ultimately be used, whether it is a publication or a website. You have the ability to zoom in and out, controlling your perspective and usually keeping it at a size and determination where it looks best to you. You might revel in a tiny detail at the bottom of a magazine cover, or your ability to find room for some fund-raising information toward the lower right on a website front page. Thinking it’s a job well done, you will be quickly disappointed when you go to the grocery store only to see the racks covering up your beautiful work, or looking over the shoulder of your better half as they click past the website before ever scrolling down. Respect the fold and you won’t pay....JF