Annotations & Marginalia
How readers talk back to the text.
The Digital Margin
Physical books allow spontaneous scribbling. Digital annotations are rigid, modal, and interruptive. We must design non-destructive overlays.
Only 12% of readers export their highlights, primarily due to locked-in proprietary formats (E-Reader Survey, 2022).
Common Annotation Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Modal popups for notes | Completely breaks reading flow. | Inline expansion or side-panel slide-outs. |
Highlight Contrast Tool
FAQ
How should highlights be styled?
Use multiply blend modes rather than solid background colors to preserve font anti-aliasing.
Explore the Architecture
Connect this concept to the broader system: