Scroll your roll

The design community "split" you are seeing is a debate between Minimalism/Affordance (users instinctively know how to scroll) versus Explicit Signifiers (users need clear guidance).

Based on trusted research from the Nielsen Norman Group (NNG), Baymard Institute, and agency data, the answer is not that you must use an arrow, but that you must avoid the "Illusion of Completeness."

Here is the breakdown of what the research actually says:

1. The Core Problem: "The Illusion of Completeness"

Research from the Nielsen Norman Group (the gold standard in UX research) indicates that users do not need an arrow to know how to scroll; they need a cue to know that there is content to scroll to.

• The Finding: If a website's content fits perfectly on the screen without any visual interruption (a "false bottom"), users will assume the page ends there.1

  
  

  
  

• The Best Practice: The most "academic" recommendation is not necessarily an arrow, but a layout where content is cut off.2 A hero image or text block that is clearly severed by the bottom of the viewport is the strongest, most natural signal that "there is more below."

  
  

  
  

2. The Case for the Arrow (Trusted Data)

While NNG emphasizes cut-off content, specific A/B tests and agency research suggest that explicit arrows are highly effective "safety nets" that users react positively to.

• Huge Inc. Research: In a widely cited usability study, the agency found that even when users were 94% certain a page was scrollable, they still reacted positively to a scroll arrow.3 It acted as a "door handle"—you know you can push the door, but the handle makes it obvious.

  
  

  
  

• Thomas Marketing Services A/B Test: In a direct test of this feature, adding a simple hand-drawn scroll arrow to a landing page resulted in:

  • A 7% increase in general engagement (clicks).4

    
    

    
    

  • A massive 76% increase in form submissions.

  • Conclusion: Even if "ugly" to some designers, the arrow drastically reduced friction.

3. Context Matters: Vertical vs. Inline

Baymard Institute (specializing in e-commerce UX) adds nuance regarding where you are scrolling.

• Vertical Scrolling (Main Page): Users generally scroll automatically. An arrow is helpful but not mandatory if the design avoids a false bottom.

• Horizontal/Inline Scrolling (Carousels/Galleries): Arrows are critical. Baymard’s testing shows that for horizontal elements, users often fail to realize more content exists without explicit arrows or "peek" (cut-off) effects.

Summary: What is "Best"?

The academic consensus resolves the split by focusing on the goal (preventing a false bottom) rather than the tool (the arrow).

The Bottom Line: If your design creates a "false bottom" (looks finished at the fold), you must use an arrow. If your layout naturally cuts off content, the arrow is optional but likely still beneficial for engagement.