What is Infinite Scrolling?

Infinite scrolling, otherwise known as endless pages is an interactive design technique, which obtains content from other pages and adds it to the page that the visitor is currently on. There are several reasons that a designer may choose to use infinite scrolling, such as when he or she feels that asking a visitor to go to another page might ruin the navigational experience. Infinite scrolling is a great way to retain website visitors, because they do not need to put much effort into navigating a website except for scrolling down.

Yahoo’s homepage is the latest website to take advantage of infinite scrolling. Now, users can go to their Yahoo homepage and find all of the content in one place, without having to navigate to different pages of the website. The new Yahoo homepage is more personalized in that the website remembers what users like and makes sure to personalize the content for them. The new Yahoo infinite scrolling design still includes the Yahoo services list in the same spot and breaking news that still rotates in the top half of the webpage.

One other huge benefit of a website designed using infinite scrolling is that its ideal for individuals who access the Internet on their mobile device. It’s a far easier user experience, when the website you’re surfing on your iPad or smartphone uses infinite scrolling. Infinite scrolling also makes browsing the Internet far quicker and efficient. Some other websites that employ the infinite scrolling design (and are doing it very successfully might we add) include Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and of course Twitter. Could your website benefit from infinite scrolling? Something to think about when you’re considering a re-design.