Parallax effects are, arguably, one of the most desired and visually appealing web design techniques of the moment. These parallax designs help to enhance user experience by heightening visual interactivity and depth, creating some truly stunning pages for users to enjoy.
The Parallax design technique is unlike any other, because it showcases moving parts. As users scroll through these pages, components move at varying speeds. It’s called Parallax scrolling, and it’s typically used with designs that, for example, incorporate videos or background images. As users scroll through these Parallax sites, the background will move at a different speed than the rest of the site making for a much more interactive and appealing visual effect.
So, how does it work?
The Parallax Technique
For those who have used or currently use various gaming applications, the parallax technique may seem pretty familiar. Within games, it is used to create two-dimensional side scrolling effects for a more enhanced experience. It’s a technique that has actually been around for quite a while, but its use and incorporation into web design is still relatively new.
The parallax effect achieves this enhanced interaction by creating a perspective shift in much the same way that we already view given objects, and well, just about everything in our daily lives. For example, say you place a pen on the table, and you stand looking above it. This is one perspective. Then, say you take a few steps to the right of the object for a different perspective. The action and concept are the same.
So, when you create a parallax effect, you aim to create multiple viewpoints. From this, the user is able to observe an object, or web content, against a background that appears just distant enough to create that two-dimensional, layering effect. It makes for a whole new avenue to create visually appealing content.
Understanding the Basics of a Parallax Website
When our designers create a Parallax website, there are a few different methods that they may use to achieve this latest visual experience. These include the layers method, pattern manipulation, raster, and sprite. That is all industry jargon, of course, which is why we’ve broken these methods down for you below. If you have questions, however, there is no substitute for a one-on-one consultation with your Realnets expert. So, consider the following information to be a foundation for your future discussions with your design team.
Here’s the overview:
- Layers Method – This method allows layer movement to be either user-controlled or automatic. The Parallax design is achieved through multiple, defined layers that are made to move vertically or horizontally while users scroll through at varying speeds.
- Pattern Manipulation – Parallax scrolling is achieved by floating multiple screens over repeated backgrounds.
- Raster – This method composites and refreshes pixel lines in a given image, from top to bottom. It achieves the Parallax scrolling effect with a slight delay that is introduced between the drawing of each individual line.
- Sprite – This method is particularly interesting because it achieves a three-dimensional effect. The Parallax is created using one image that is made of pseudo-layers which are formed by composting several images into one.
How Can Parallax Designs Help Enhance Your User Experience?
Parallax designs greatly enhance the user experience through stunning visual effects and animations that create the type of “wow” factor that keeps users coming back for more. These designs catch your attention in a powerful way while guiding you through content in an interesting and engaging manner.
One of the great benefits is that these visual designs encourage visitors to spend more time on your website because they will want scroll all the way to the bottom of your page in order to see the full animations. With Parallax, you can easily direct visitors wherever you want them to go while effectively telling your story.
While the parallax design is one of the latest in-demand design for websites of all kinds, it’s not a fad. It has been around long enough that we are confident in its staying power, and it takes the user experience to an entirely new level. This is not something that will be going away anytime soon. So, if you’re not already incorporating the Parallax design in your website, Contact us to bring your business website up to speed.
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