What Does “Beyond the Fold” Really Mean?

The “fold” originates from the world of print, referring to the visible portion of a folded newspaper. In web design, it refers to the area of a webpage visible without scrolling. While screen sizes and device usage have diversified dramatically, the principle still matters.

Above the fold remains your website’s most precious real estate. It’s the first impression, the visual handshake with your audience. But the modern fold is fluid. It’s determined not just by screen size, but also by user intent and attention span. With just seconds to capture interest, what you place above the fold must be deliberate, dynamic, and compelling.

The Power and Purpose of the Headline

Your headline is the most powerful element above the fold. It sets the tone, communicates your value proposition, and drives curiosity. In 2025 and beyond, the best web headlines:

• Speak directly to the user with relevance and empathy
• Answer a need or pain point in just a few words
• Trigger emotion through clear, benefit-driven language
• Are supported visually by powerful imagery, motion, or interactive cues
• Are optimized for scanning, since many users don’t read, they skim

Designing for a Scrolling Culture

While the fold still matters, user behavior has shifted. Today’s digital audiences are more comfortable scrolling, especially on mobile. But scrolling only happens if what’s above the fold earns that engagement. That’s why modern designers must balance both:

• Above-the-fold clarity: immediate context, CTA, headline, and navigation
• Below-the-fold storytelling: supporting content, social proof, dynamic visuals, and interactivity

Designers now craft scroll-driven experiences that guide users through layers of information. The combine movement, micro-interactions, and modular storytelling that adapts to each screen.

Future-Proof Design Elements to Embrace

To stay ahead of the curve, modern web design and UX must prioritize:

• Mobile-first and responsive grids: not just compatibility, but optimization for small screens
• Speed and performance: lazy loading, compressed media, and minimal code for fast load times
• Accessibility: WCAG compliance, alt text, and keyboard navigation to reach all users
• Conversational interfaces: AI chat widgets and dynamic search features
• Dark mode and personalization options: letting users control how they experience your content
• Modular, component-based systems: ensuring scalability, consistency, and easy updates

Conclusion: Designing with Tomorrow in Mind

Great web design is no longer just about what’s pretty. It’s about what works, what connects, and what scales. Understanding the importance of headlines, structure, and user-centered experiences helps future-proof your digital presence.

As we build the websites of tomorrow, let’s move beyond the fold. Not by ignoring it, but by mastering it and designing everything that comes after with purpose and precision.

At CMA, we don’t follow trends. We discover what’s next. If you’re ready to future-proof your digital presence, let’s build something bold together.