--- title: The UX of Scrolling description: At the beginning of UX, users typically did not scroll vertically, simply because they just weren’t used to it. Current users now have more experience with scrolling web pages and apps, so as a result, most users are willing to scroll down when they visit a long home page or navigation screen. image: https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/pc-mouse-625151_1920.jpg --- [![Key Lime Logo](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Key%20Lime%20Logo.png?width=200&height=39&name=Key%20Lime%20Logo.png "Key Lime Logo")](https://keylimeinteractive.com/) - SERVICES - [All Services](https://keylimeinteractive.com/services) - [UX Strategy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-strategy-design/) - [User Research](https://keylimeinteractive.com/user-research/) - [UX/UI Design](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-design-strategy/) - [EmTech Strategy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/emerging-technology/) - OUR WORK - [Our Approach](https://dev.keylimeinteractive.com/our-approach/) - [Enterprise Clients](https://keylimeinteractive.com/work/) - [Public Sector](https://keylimeinteractive.com/public-sector-gsa-schedule/) - [ABOUT US](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Who We Are](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [People](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1eb079d3-bb50-438a-a731-eaa18a982193&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US) - INSIGHTS - [CX Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com) - [Events](https://keylimeinteractive.com/upcoming-events/) - [Competitive Indexes](https://keylimeinteractive.com/reports/#rankings) - [White Papers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/reports/) - [CONTACT US](https://keylimeinteractive.com/contact/) [![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg)](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) [Contact us](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/contact) [![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg)](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies/) - [Events](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) [Contact us](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/contact) - - - # The UX of Scrolling [By Key Lime Interactive](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/author/key-lime-interactive) April 23, 2018 [User Interface](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-interface) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![pc-mouse-625151\_1920](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/pc-mouse-625151_1920.jpg) [*![UX of scrolling](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pc-mouse-625151_1920.jpg?width=600&name=pc-mouse-625151_1920.jpg)*](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/10-ways-ux-has-changed-in-the-last-10-years) *“Scrolling is a continuation, clicking is a decision.”*- *Josh Porter, Designer* At the beginning of [UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/10-ways-ux-has-changed-in-the-last-10-years), users typically did not scroll vertically, simply because they just weren’t used to it. During the mid-nineties, scrolling was something that was still a new concept in regards to the development of user experience design. As a result, user’s would oftentimes just make their selections based on the information they could see without having to scroll further down, which set forward one of the [biggest UX myths](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/10-myths-about-ux) ever: the idea that people don’t scroll. This UX Myth has been around for a while and has impacted [UX design](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-design-strategy/) as well, leading to “above the fold” UX best practices - the idea that users will only pay attention to information that is “above the fold” and therefore all the important content for the user to make their decision should be available in that space without the user having to scroll. ## UX Best Practices for Scrolling As time went on and user experience continued to evolve, this idea that people do not scroll has been revisited. Current users now have more experience with scrolling web pages and apps, so as a result, most users are willing to scroll down when they visit a long home page or navigation screen. This also means that users are now more willing to scroll past the fold, with data from [Chartbeat](http://time.com/12933/what-you-think-you-know-about-the-web-is-wrong/) stating “66% of attention on a normal media page is spent below the fold.” But just because more people are scrolling and willing to scroll, what does that mean for UX? Just because people are more willing to scroll does not mean that they will do it. Sure, we’ve all found ourselves victim to mindless scrolling, but this is only on certain webpages or applications. When a web page or app has a poorly designed scroll bar, or it is unclear if you can keep scrolling or not, users are likely not to spend their time on that page scrolling. It is important to keep in mind the goal of creating a seamless and effective user experience, especially when it comes to scrolling. It is therefore important to create an experience that encourages users to scroll. Usability expert [Jakob Nielsen](https://www.nngroup.com/articles/scrolling-and-attention/) conducted research utilizing eye-tracking studies to understand scrolling and user’s attention. Nielsen found that while the user’s still focused on the information that is provided above the fold, that people will scroll down. People are more likely to scroll down if the page is designed in a way to encourage the user to scroll; this can be achieved through avoiding a “false bottom” and indicating to the users that there is information below the fold. While designing a user experience that utilizes scrolling, it is important to remember to make sure that content is easily accessible to the user. Including key focus points of information, while breaking up the content is one effective way to help encourage users to scroll without feeling like they are having to search for information. While more people are scrolling or willing to scroll, this does not mean that we completely abandon the beloved “above the fold” best practice. Above the fold logic still has some value to it- to make sure that people are even willing to scroll, the content that is above the fold must be interesting enough to want to keep users on that page. The content that is above the fold is not only what users see first, but it is the content that will still get the most attention from users and most importantly, it is the content that users use when they decide if the page is worth scrolling through or not. And while people are scrolling more than they used to, they are also only going to scroll for so long, which means they still need to be able to quickly and easily find the content that they are looking for. It is critical to focus on designing a user experience that facilitates scrolling, because when a user is scrolling it means they are spending more time on that page or application. **READ MORE:** [What is Linear UX?](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/what-is-linear-ux), [Accessibility in UX Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/accessibility-in-ux-design), [Design Thinking vs. Design Feeling](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/design-thinking-vs.-design-feeling), [The Value of UX as a Business Tool](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/what-is-the-value-of-ux-as-a-business-tool) ###### More by this Author [Key Lime Interactive](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/author/key-lime-interactive) ##### You might also like ![Gender Bias in User Interface Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Gender%20Bias%20-%20pexels-magda-ehlers.jpg) [Gender Bias in User Interface Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/gender-bias-in-user-interface-design) April 23, 2018 ![What To Know When Considering Dark Mode](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/dark-mode-Pabitra%20Kaity%20-%20Pixabay.png) [What To Know When Considering Dark Mode](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/what-to-know-when-considering-dark-mode) April 23, 2018 ![A Review Of Svelte: Improving UI Development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/roman-synkevych-vXInUOv1n84-unsplash.jpg) [A Review Of Svelte: Improving UI Development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/a-review-of-svelte-improving-ui-development) April 23, 2018 #### Comments [Add Comment](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/theuxofscrolling#comment-form) ABOUT KLI [Key Lime Interactive](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us)is a user experience research and service design agency, with a sweet spot for emerging technology. As UX experts, our goal is to make your life easier, optimize user experiences, and make the world a better place. - [Recent](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/theuxofscrolling#tabs-0) - [Popular](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/theuxofscrolling#tabs-1) ![Upsell with Purpose: Fueling SaaS Growth Through User Insight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Multiethnic%20group%20of%20young%20people%20sitting%20in%20conference%20room%20and%20brainstorming%20on%20business%20meeting.jpeg) [Upsell with Purpose: Fueling SaaS Growth Through User Insight](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/upselling-in-a-saas-environment-with-a-user-centric-approach) Aug 21, 2024 ![5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Working with a UX Research Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Attractive%20businessman%20speaking%20with%20fellow%20coworkers.jpeg) [5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Working with a UX Research Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-working-with-a-ux-research-consultant) Aug 21, 2024 ![Designing Engagement Through Micro-Interactions](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20closeup%20shot%20of%20a%20finger%20gently%20tapping%20a%20digital%20button%20on%20a%20sleek%2c%20modern%20interface.jpeg) [Designing Engagement Through Micro-Interactions](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/the-significance-of-micro-interactions-in-shaping-user-engagement-and-experience) Aug 21, 2024 ![What is the Keystroke-Level Model?](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Keystroke.jpg) [What is the Keystroke-Level Model?](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/what-is-the-keystroke-level-model) Aug 21, 2024 ![Current-State vs. Future-State Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/destination-2386255_1280.jpg) [Current-State vs. Future-State Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/current-state-vs.-future-state-journey-mapping) Aug 21, 2024 ![A History of Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202020-08-11%20at%2012.18.34%20PM.png) [A History of Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/history-of-voice-technology) Aug 21, 2024 Create a UX Strategy [![key-lime-interactive-ux](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/key-lime-interactive-ux.png?width=635&height=634&name=key-lime-interactive-ux.png)](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-strategy-design) ### Post By Topics - [Research Methods](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-methods) - [UX Strategy](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-strategy) - [Events & News](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/events-news) - [UX Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-research) - [User Experience](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience) - [User Interface](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-interface) - [UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux) - [News](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/news) - [Mobile UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/mobile-ux) - [Usability Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/usability-testing) - [Competitive Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-research) - [UX Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-design) - [Eye tracking & Biometrics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/eye-tracking-biometrics) - [Qualitative Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/qualitative-research) - [Customer Experience](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/customer-experience) - [Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/journey-mapping) - [DEI](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/dei) - [Remote Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/remote-testing) - [User Experience Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience-consultant) - [VR](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/vr) - [XR](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/xr) - [Multicultural UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/multicultural-ux) - [Mobile Banking](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/mobile-banking) - [Quantitative Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/quantitative-research) - [App Development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/app-development) - [User Experience Research Studies](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-experience-research-studies) - [Diversity Equity Inclusion](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diversity-equity-inclusion) - [UI](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ui) - [Voice Technology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/voice-technology) - [Accessibility](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/accessibility) - [Behavioral Personas](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/behavioral-personas) - [Diary Study & Ethnography](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diary-study-ethnography) - [Global Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/global-research) - [Inclusivity Index](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/inclusivity-index) - [User Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-testing) - [Card Sort & Tree Test](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/card-sort-tree-test) - [Human-first Approach](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/human-first-approach) - [Personalization](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/personalization) - [CX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/cx) - [Diary Study](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/diary-study) - [In-Depth Interviews](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/in-depth-interviews) - [Inclusivity](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/inclusivity) - [A/B Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/a-b-testing) - [CX Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/cx-research) - [IDIs](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/idis) - [Bias](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/bias) - [Personas](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/personas) - [Research Participant Recruitment](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-participant-recruitment) - [Usability](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/usability) - [Women in UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/women-in-ux) - [Workshops](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/workshops) - [Customer Journey Mapping](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/customer-journey-mapping) - [Remote Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/remote-research) - [Research Analysis](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/research-analysis) - [UX Methods](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-methods) - [Webinars](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/webinars) - [Anthropology](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/anthropology) - [Competitive Benchmarking](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-benchmarking) - [Competitive Insights](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-insights) - [Competitive Intelligence](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-intelligence) - [Confirmation Bias](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/confirmation-bias) - [Ethnography](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ethnography) - [Gaming](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/gaming) - [Healthcare CX Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/healthcare-cx-design) - [Healthcare Customer Experience Design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/healthcare-customer-experience-design) - [Heuristics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/heuristics) - [Unmoderated](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/unmoderated) - [sample size calculation](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/sample-size-calculation) - [AI development](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ai-development) - [Biometrics](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/biometrics) - [Communication](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/communication) - [Competitive Intelligence Analysis](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/competitive-intelligence-analysis) - [Concept Testing](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/concept-testing) - [Consultant](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/consultant) - [Custom Projects](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/custom-projects) - [Dedicated Services](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/dedicated-services) - [Digital Divide](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/digital-divide) - [Impact](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/impact) - [Keystroke Level Model](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/keystroke-level-model) - [Literature Review](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/literature-review) - [Negotiation in UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/negotiation-in-ux) - [Nonprofit UX](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/nonprofit-ux) - [Presentation](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/presentation) - [Rapid Research](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/rapid-research) - [Report](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/report) - [SaaS](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/saas) - [UX Templates](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/ux-templates) - [World Usability Day](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/world-usability-day) - [digital design](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/digital-design) - [persona](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/persona) - [user engagement](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/topic/user-engagement) ![ ](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aicpa-soc-certified.png) ![Logo of the National Minority Supplier Development Council with colorful abstract shapes and text.](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NMSDC-Logo-NATIONAL-1024x716.jpg) ![Logo with the text "Insights Association" and colorful squares forming a pattern above the text.](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/insights-association-logo-v2.png) ![](https://keylimeinteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/key-lime-interactive.svg) Your Trusted Partner for UX Research Key Lime Interactive - [What We Do](https://keylimeinteractive.com/ux-research-services/) - [Proven Process](https://keylimeinteractive.com/proven-process/) Resources - [Case Studies](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/case-studies) - [Events + Workshops](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/events) - [Blog](https://info.keylimeinteractive.com/) Company - [About Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Team](https://keylimeinteractive.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://keylimeinteractive.com/careers/) - [News](https://keylimeinteractive.com/news/) - [Security & Compliance](https://app.vanta.com/keylimeinteractive.com/trust/cylnxu23wx6pzvej7bloh9) - [Public Sector GSA](https://keylimeinteractive.com/public-sector-gsa-schedule/) Get in touch - [Contact Us](https://keylimeinteractive.com/contact) © 2025 All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://keylimeinteractive.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](https://keylimeinteractive.com/terms/)