Word: Fat footer

Definition: A form of secondary navigation located at the bottom of the page, typically taking up a considerable amount of page real-estate and serving as a shortcut to hierarchical content.

 

 

Thoughts: Fat footers are typically used on sites with an incredible amount of information and lengthier page content. These sections are extremely helpful to link popular site content that may not be directly relevant to the selected page itself. It also acts as a visual anchor and an affordance that a page has come to an end while providing additional page view opportunities. Fat footers also present space for graphics, social media links, and newsletter promotions. These big guys have graduated from more than just links lists.

While I know this may come off as a broken record to you consistent "UX 365" readers, but there is a debate on this topic amongst us! While there are clear benefits to such "obese footers" (as Jakob Nielsen once called them), there are also thoughts of too many links and a persistent feeling of "spamminess".

Both points are well taken and I venture to guess that like with most polarizing topics, it comes down to a case by case basis with specific business goals in mind.

Question: How does the persistence of continuous scroll effect the future of the footer, regardless of its size?