Parallax is a difference in the in the apparent position of an object viewed along different lines of sight. The term derives from the Greek word parallaxis, meaning alteration. In web design, the parallax effect is a relatively new trend. The effect itself has been around for a while, but lately is becoming more used and talked about. The Parallax effect or parallax scrolling in web design is the technique that features layered images that move around the website in different speeds/perspectives creating a nice and interesting 3D illusion. We gathered some examples of websites using the parallax effect to inspire you. This effect certainly makes scrolling around websites an interesting experience.
The parallax illusion is one of the coolest effects to hit the world of web design. Some use the effect to add a subtle treat to the website’s background, whereas others use the parallax effect more prominently to create an exciting browsing experience.
The parallax effect has been around for years in classic video games, but came into trend in the web design community when it was implemented into the background of the Silverback app website. The simple type of parallax effect seen on the Silverback site was used to spice the design with a hidden treat, only visible when the user’s browser is resized. The effect has since evolved and is now commonly seen as part of the scrolling feature of a web page, where multiple backgrounds seem to move at different speeds. Fast forward to recent months and the latest incarnation of parallax effects was pioneered by the Nike Better World website, where the whole site is based on one big parallax effect to create an interesting browsing experience.