Pagination vs. Scroll
Mapping position in digital space.
Spatial Memory
Infinite scroll destroys spatial memory. Readers cannot remember if a passage was "top left" or "bottom right" because those coordinates no longer exist.
A 2022 study showed a 14% increase in comprehension when spatial anchors (pages) were present.
Common Pagination Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Scrollbars without markers | Zero sense of remaining chapter length. | Discretized progress bars or explicit page turns. |
Words Per Page Estimator
FAQ
Is scrolling ever better?
For reference material and code, yes. For narrative immersion, pagination dominates.
Explore the Architecture
Connect this concept to the broader system: