The “foldable web” technology has unlocked new user experiences, promising the inspiring future of the mobile industry. However, it is not just the innovative hardware that makes the foldable device a game-changer; it’s the compatible software as well. Many devices have entered the market, including Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei.
So maybe it is time for you to update your website with a more responsive design to give the users an ultimate UI that can incorporate all the folds in the screen.
What is a “Foldable Web”?
A foldable device is a device that literally folds into two split screens that work as one big screen when unfolded. This fold provides new challenges to the web design companies in the form of new software and syntax.
Brand New Web Design Standards and Ultimate Experiences
Sally Jeong, VP of Samsung, says, “Before the development of the Galaxy Fold, I had a smartphone and a tablet, but the combination of two created an entirely new experience.” Some popular foldable devices in the market are the Galaxy Z flip, and Huawei Mate X, with screens wrapping outside the phone.
The hardware has definitely evolved; it’s time for websites to adapt the fold to ensure usability and responsiveness. Consider the following things to fully incorporate the fold in your website design:
- Focus on the usability of your website by placing relevant content above the fold, as visibility of content above the fold is higher. Therefore, use call-to-action words like ‘Try it Free’ to attract attention.
- Make sure the content displayed above the fold gives a preview of information on the webpage. The viewer should be encouraged to scroll down.
- Don’t cram the area above the fold with content. It is essential to ensure that there is a balance in content and usability. Don’t confuse your site visitors.
- Focus on quality, and keep things simple. Use a minimalistic approach when it comes to designing landing pages to enhance accessibility.
- As for finding the fold for your responsive web design, the average fold line is approximately 1000 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall.
CSS and JavaScript to Accommodate Fold
Following are two major challenges for website owners when it comes to foldable devices:
- Different Variety of Folds:
The foldable devices in the market vary in shapes and hardware. Phones like the Galaxy Fold are shaped like a book with rectangular screens. On the other hand, there are phones like the Galaxy Z Flip, which are flip phones with two square screens with a vertical layout. With so much variety, you have to update your website to make it compatible with these screens.
- Fold Area:
With seamless fold phones like Galaxy Z Flip, even though the fold area is almost invisible, there is still potential awkwardness in the area. It might be difficult for the viewer to read your information across the seam of the partially folded screen, so you might need to reconsider the web design. Website owners and magazines have already started to avoid writing content on the fold area.
New technology means new hardware and software. With these foldable devices, CSS and JavaScript will need to address issues regarding the display of media. To ensure usability on all screen types, consult with professional website design Dubai based IT experts to help you design your website that would allow your webpages to shape themselves across various dimensions.
Dual Screen Experience
A major takeaway is that foldable devices have made it to the market and are being used worldwide. Hence, it is time for you to contend with folds and give your users a flawless experience. This new aspect of fold means that you need to adjust your web content with the dimensions, so the users don’t have to interact much on the fold area.
When the device is partially folded, touch control is limited in that area, so it is wise to reposition your content in such a way that some elements get displayed on one screen, and some get displayed on the other half. Zouhir Chahoud, a Microsoft Developer, says,
“The fold (whether the device is seamless or has a seam) splits the screen into two nicely defined display regions, and creators can organize specific content per region.”
Be Flexible and Embrace the Foldable Web!
So what does the fold in devices mean for the web? This trend is likely going to introduce innovations in the responsive web designs to accommodate the fold and dual screens. With the development of new CSS and JavaScript features, you can consult experts to provide your consumers with an ultimate, multi-screen experience as mobile phones have 52% market share worldwide.
It is a unique opportunity to delve into this uncharted territory and be the first one to offer such experience to the people. Now is the time to get involved and start experimenting.
