e. Screen vs print document design

'The way we read has changed dramatically in recent years.' (Clay, 2010). From reading the traditional printed media to reading off a screen. The change of raeding medium causes different design approach to produce both documents. According to Nielson (1999) there are various differences between screen and print document that are taken into consideration when designing them. However, there are 3 main components that are used to differ both document design from one to another. van Leeuwen (2006, pg.31) further supports by stating the world of screens is a different constructed world to the printed pages of print media. 

Taken from artevo

Nielson's (1999) 3 Difference between screen and print document design:
1. Dimensionality
The first aspect that differ in designing print and screen document would be dimensionality. Print document design is 2-dimensional with a less inter-relation between spread and each spread is considered one unit. On the other hand, screen design are usually 1-dimensional and n-dimensional with users able to scroll through out the page. Thus, the design concept of both document would differ. 


2. Navigation
Navigation, the second aspect taken into designing a document. A print document uses page turning as navigation which is merely considered one of the elements of design. However, due to a n-dimensional nature of screen document, hypertext are used for navigation as it leads there user to navigate freely around the web. Hence, the layout of a screen document would have a links section to direct the users. 


3. Interactivity
One aspect that makes screen design have the upper hand would be interactivity. A print design has a very low interaction with the user as it only consist visual images and written text. On the other hand screen design allows users to manipulate the interactive tools. Users could have different response due to different options selected. Thus, when designing the document, the designer would consider the slot to put the tools in the layout.


In conclusion, although the considerations of design for both print and screen media is different. Users who live in a digital era now would make us of screen design more than print design as screen design is able to reach many aspects that print could not. Nevertheless, screen designs also have its' flaws as Howard (2009) states "Web designs have its own sets of challenges and parameters."


Reference list
1. Kress, G, van Leeuwen, T 2006, 'Chapter 1: The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication', Reading images: the grammar of visual design, 2nd edn, Routledge, London.
2. Clay, J 2001, Print Versus Screen: Information Pros and Cons, viewed 22 August 2011, <http://theuniversityblog.co.uk/2010/03/19/print-versus-screen/>
3. Howard, J 2009, Print Design vs. Wed Design, viewed 22 August 2011, <http://desktoppub.about.com/od/transitionprintweb/tp/Print_Design_vs_Web_Design.htm>
4. Nielson, J 1999, Differences between Print Design and Web Design, viewed 22 August 2011, <http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html>