Marc Mumby, the web designer, Chris Mathews and I would carry on a three-way discussion as issues rose over different features of the website. One of these was the usefulness of the “Continue” button when the screen changed automatically and the menu was visible on each screen. Both Chris and I thought that the “Continue” button should be removed. We shared our doubts with Marc.
Marc came back with an explanation that would have pleased anyone of the good Christian Brothers.
“As you noticed, the “Continue” button causes the browser to scroll down to the informational section. It is part of the template design. Depending on the size of the screen (including my Mac Book) when one first accesses the site, only the photos are visible. Without the button, people won’t know there’s more information on the home page unless they happen to manually scroll down. This template is an example of a current trend in web design where much of the content is on a large home page. The button lets people know there’s more to be seen. It also gives people a chance to enjoy the photos before actually going into the content of the site.
Another point is that more people browse the web using a mobile device (and now watches) than PCs. The template is a “responsive” design that adapts to the device being use. If you check the site on your phone or a tablet (iPad), all that’s visible are the photos. The button is needed to get people further down the page.”
I can now give the impression, as I raise my beer to take a sip, that I keep in touch with current trends in web design. Thank you, Marc.
4 thoughts on “The Purpose of the “Continue” Button”
I did notice the “Continue” button with a bit of a disappointment at the Web page design, as it was intruding into the view of the beautiful photos. But even as I was wondering what was there beyond the photos, I snapped at this irritating button that took me downstairs and into a whole lot of interesting information. Maybe the button could be a wee bit transparent. But yes, the concept of a hand-holding “Continue” button is practical for first time viewers of the website, having used it myself.
Hi Uttam,
“Good feedback. Thank you. We will consider your request for a slightly less intrusive continue button.”
Murli for Team/Seppa Authors
I changed the color of the “Continue” button to blue and added transparency. Hopefully it is less intrusive now.
Thank you, Marc. Your changes made a difference