Our Favourite Parallax Scrolling Websites
2013 has really seen parallax scrolling hit mainstream audiences and its use is growing in popularity every day. From brands such as Von Dutch and Nintendo, to a plethora of digital agencies, the parallax scrolling trend shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’re not aware of what parallax scrolling actually is, let us explain. In a nutshell, parallax scrolling is a technique used by web developers to create the illusion of depth, immersing viewers in the page by making background images move slower than those in the foreground. It creates the illusion of depth in a 2D environment by moving two or more objects simultaneously at different velocities.
As a digital agency in Leeds, we are regularly approached by clients to help develop parallax scrolling websites that makes their visitors’ experience more immersive and engaging. Something as simple as parallax scrolling can be key in how well users remember your website and brand. Parallax scrolling can range from subtle to complex and the technical skills required to create such effects ranges from simple to difficult respectively, however it really is an exciting way to display content on websites and can prove to have a fantastic return on investment.
Here at Parallax, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite parallax scrolling websites that we’ve seen recently.
KitKat
Nestlé have recently announced a partnership with Google to name its new Android OS KitKat 4.4. Nestlé had the KitKat website completely rebuilt and redesigned to complement the partnership, creating content styled as an Android specification list; relating all the copy and imagery to chocolate instead of technology. Using powerful imagery to show the multiple layers of the chocolate bar, a sense of humour and great content, KitKat have created a really great parallax scrolling website.
Apple Mac Pro
Apple are undoubtedly the kings of content. When it came to promoting a product as special as the new Mac Pro, they needed to create an equally beautiful website and they didn’t disappoint. Apple uses parallax scrolling to show the different layers and components of the computer moving into place, creating a slick and engaging website. We love it. If you want to see some more of Apple’s parallax scrolling sites, check out the iPhone 5c and 5s websites.
Lexus LS Asia
Lexus are known as one of the most luxurious brands on the market so ensuring that they had a beautiful website to run alongside the launch of their LS range was essential. Sat within some fantastic photography and content, one of our favourite parts was how Lexus have used parallax scrolling to show the effect of a car wheel moving across the page.
Mario Kart Wii
This site has been around for a while and is a popular choice here in the Parallax office. Everybody’s favourite Nintendo racing game has used parallax scrolling to really emphasise the fun of Mario Kart. Using the effect to show off the history of the game, as well as the social aspects involved, characters can be seen moving across the screen as the user feels like they are driving on a racetrack.
Madwell
Madwell are a full service digital agency based in New York. With competition so high in the digital industry, they’ve created one of the best parallax scrolling websites that really helps them stand out. One of our favourite parts of the site is where they’ve used parallax scrolling to make it seem as if coffee beans are falling from above.
What are your favourite parallax scrolling websites? Get in touch, we’d love to hear some of your suggestions.