Screen Vs. Print Design

Design plays an important role no matter in screen or print. According to Kress and van Leeuwen, the elements that are in the design must be related to each other so that it can be integrated as a whole. The positioning of the image and the organization of texts must be of consistent. Usually the text are positioned from left to right, and top to bottom. There must always be a flow and white space should be provided for read

ers to rest their eyes.

Designs for both the screen and print are different because both caters to different audiences. The design for print is of more words or facts and lesser images. Below is the picture of a print that is of more words or facts and no images at all.

Image source: http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/NEWSPAPER.jpg

As for screen, the design will have slightly more pictures and are more colorful compared to print. This is because the designer want to attract the attention of the readers to read his or her posts. In screen media, there are more pictures compared to print and the words written are not as formal as print media. Below is an example of a screen design.

Image source: giselejaquenod.com.ar

There are clear differences between print and screen design. The print media uses facts while screen media is more to entertainment purposes. The print media uses 5Ws and 1H and the language used are more formal than screen media. Design elements are important because it work together as a whole.

References:

VanHaitsma 2009, Kress and van Leeuwe, viewed on 23 August 2011, from
http://www.pamelavanhaitsma.com/kress2.html