For those of you who are young enough, the concept of the ‘split screen’ will likely take you back to your childhood. Referring to a screen that has been ‘split’ into two, this used to be the best way to play games with friends on gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox or, for those of us with a little more wisdom, the Atari 2600.
While still doable, this isn’t as common now that ‘online multiplayer’ has become a thing. But it is common in the eCommerce industry.
Over the last few years, many websites have been incorporating a split screen into their web design, essentially cutting the screen into two distinct sections. At first, it seemed like this would be another one of those trends that pops, fizzes, and then dissolves, but in 2024, it’s still going strong. Below, we’re going to look at exactly why web designers are utilising a split screen and give our definitive thoughts on whether it’s a good idea or not.
The Website Split Screen: Explained
A website split screen halves the web page vertically, splitting the content on both sides. This lets you place essential content on two halves of the page, making it easier for users to see information without having to continuously scroll down. Another form of split screen is the ‘layered split screen’, where each half of the screen has various elements that can be interacted with, unfolding to reveal a larger portion of content. Other websites have also trialled uneven split screens, where one side takes up more space, as well as horizontally split screens, where the content takes up the page from left to right, but in two separate blocks.
Why is the Website Split Screen Popular?
There are a fair few reasons why this design is so popular. For starters, the influx of web content has made it harder to easily navigate UIs. In 2024, we’re all aware of what to do to climb Google rankings, and one of the most integral things is content. Good content. A wealth of content. And that means more space is needed. While it’s common for users to have to scroll down to read each piece of content, it’s a lot more tasking than it used to be ten years ago, and content is only getting denser. Splitting the screen into two halves can give you as a designer far more real estate, while the user receives a more fluid user experience.
The other key benefit of splitting a website page is compatibility. There are so many websites out there that are optimised for web browsing, but not for mobile viewing. This creates a lack of cohesion and a perceived amateurism for users, which can be easily combated if the screen is split in two. If a user is looking at your website on a desktop or a large screen, the content is split up and easily navigable. If the user is looking at your website on a smartphone, then the content is stacked and fits the screen appropriately. Of course, work has to go into ensuring there’s a smooth transition, but it’s a far easier process compared to designs which need two distinct formats.
Website Split Screen: Yay or Nay?
There’s a lot to like about website split screens, but that’s not to say it’s without its flaws. Creating a balanced and functional split screen, for instance, can be a bit of a challenge for designers, especially if there are interactive elements involved. There’s also the potential for user confusion and inconsistent flow, as users become unsure where to focus their attention and the flow is disrupted by a more secular layout.
But the advantages mentioned earlier certainly balance the cons, if not supersede them. As a business owner, you have to understand how a website like this fits into your brand, and whether it’s really necessary from a UX perspective. If you’re just starting up, your content is small, and your pages are more static, utilising a split screen can have a negative effect on your UX, and end up coming across as more amateurish as a result. If, however, you need to make your website more layered, with improved compatibility, it might be the option you need to ensure it works.
As a trend, we would have to say a big ‘yay’ to it. Not only is it visually interesting, but it offers benefits that make it practically appealing too. Like we said, it won’t be for everyone, but as far as trends go, we can’t see this one dying out any time soon.
