Scrollytelling
Scrollytelling in dashboard design: when to use and when not to
The debate over the use of scrollable pages is ongoing in the world of dashboarding.
While scrollytelling is a proven effective way to engage users, many dashboards remain static. In this blog post, we’ll explore when scrollytelling is appropriate, delve into its trend and history, and discuss why dashboards are often static.
What is scrollytelling?
As the word says - scrollytelling is a technique that combines scrolling with storytelling,. In this design users can engage with content dynamically as they scroll. Unlike traditional scrolling, which simply moves the page up and down, scrollytelling integrates animations, transitions, and interactive elements to create a more immersive experience. The benefits include increased user engagement and improved information retention. Andtherefore it is one of the hottest UX trends in 2025.
Where did it come from?
Scrollytelling has its roots in digital journalism and data visualization. Early examples include interactive articles from media outlets like The New York Times, which used scrollytelling to present complex stories in an engaging way. Over time, this technique has been adopted in various fields, including UX design, to enhance user experiences. Scrollytelling emerged from the need to present complex stories in an engaging way. It has significantly influenced UX design by introducing new ways to interact with content. Early adopters in digital journalism paved the way for its use in various applications, including marketing, education, and data visualization.
Why are dashboards often static?
Static dashboards are favored for their simplicity, speed, and accessibility. They allow users to quickly access and interpret data without the need for additional interactions. This is particularly important in environments where time is critical, such as in business analytics.
However, static dashboards have their limitations. They lack the interactivity and dynamic presentation that scrollytelling offers, which can engage users more effectively. Without these interactive elements that guide the user through the story, it can be harder to highlight trends and patterns in data, which are often crucial for decision-making.
The benefit of scrollytelling in dashboarding
The interactive design is particularly effective when you need to tell a story that unfolds as the user scrolls. This is useful for data visualizations and presenting complex information in a digestible format. For example, a dashboard that tracks the progress of a project over time can use scrollytelling to highlight key milestones and trends.
When scrollytelling is a good choice
Scrollytelling is a powerful tool for creating engaging and interactive content that unfolds as the user scrolls. It is particularly effective when complex information should be presented in a difestible and engagin for,.
Here are some practical examples of how different user groups can leverage scrollytelling effectively:
Business Analysts: For business analysts, scrollytelling can transform quarterly performance reports into dynamic presentations. A scrollytelling dashboard might start with an overview of total revenue, then scroll to detailed breakdowns by department, and finally highlight significant trends and insights with interactive charts. This approach makes complex data more accessible and engaging, without the need for navigating to different pages or conducting analysis.
Education: In educational settings, scrollytelling can bring lessons to life. For example, a history teacher could design a timeline of significant events where students scroll through animated maps, historical photos, and key facts. This interactive format helps students better understand and retain information.
Healthcare Healthcare dashboards can use scrollytelling to present patient data in a more engaging way. A dashboard tracking patient recovery might start with an overview of the patient’s condition, then scroll through treatment milestones, and end with interactive charts showing recovery progress over time. This method makes it easier for healthcare professionals to monitor and communicate patient progress
Marketing Marketing teams can create compelling campaign reports using scrollytelling. A dashboard could begin with an overview of campaign goals, then scroll through various metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and ROI. Each section can feature interactive elements that highlight key data points, making the report more engaging and easier to understand.
When scrollytelling is a bad choice
Simplicity and accessibility
For simple dashboards where users need to quickly find information, static pages are often more effective. Scrollytelling can sometimes complicate the user experience, making it harder for users to locate key data quickly. In these cases, simplicity is key, and a straightforward, static design can be more user-friendly.
Performance and load time
Scrollytelling can increase the load time of a page, which can be a disadvantage for users with slower internet connections. In such cases, static pages that load quickly and provide immediate access to information are preferable. Ensuring that your dashboard performs well for all users is crucial, and sometimes that means opting for a simpler, static approach.
When your tool has limitations
Sometimes, technical limitations or resource availability might prevent you from incorporating the most interactive features of a scrollytelling dashboard, such as animations or interactive elements. In such cases, you can still use scrollytelling by guiding users through the storyline, presenting elements and analysis in a logical order to maintain engagement and clarity.
Conclusion
Scrollytelling offers a powerful way to engage users and present data dynamically. However, it’s important to consider the context and user needs when deciding between scrollytelling and static pages. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can create more effective and user-friendly dashboards.