To Scroll, or Not To Scroll

This week’s discussion was similar to the Final Post discussion protocol used in week 6. This time around our group was much smaller, with only three of my classmates (including myself) participating. Our topic was Exposition, using chapter 11 from the Driscoll and Carliner text.

Scrolling was one of the topics a peer posted about. The text selected stated that designers should strive to place their important points above the fold so that readers did not have to scroll. The quote selected made me recall a recent article that I had found in "Boxes and Arrows" website. I was able to provide the link, http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/blasting-the-myth-of, in my response to my peer and I think that all found the article to be useful. Because it was a timely and applicable source I considered this to be my best contribution for the week. The article states that while the above the fold theory is widely subscribed to, there is ample evidence to show that readers do indeed scroll. The article cited research that noted completion rates for surveys and ratings located below the fold did not point to mass drop outs in readers not going beyond the fold.

The contribution which provided me with the biggest smile was being able to award a Karma point to everyone in the group this week as it was such a small group. When I noted how small the group was I decided that in the name of encouragement, and out of a sense of belonging I wanted to recognize the value in each of my peer’s contributions. I found something positive to say about each of their postings. I think that through the discussions we are helping each other to distinguish what are the important points of the readings. It was nice to be able to share a Karma point with each group member. Had the group been larger this week I don’t know that I would have thought to award Karma points in such a manner, but I’m glad I was able to this week.