The shape of the Bible shapes our thinking about what it is and how to use it. Converting from scrolls to the codex says "this is one book, one story." The form of digital Bibles carries different messages which vary based on features and layouts. This article defines principles to consider when designing digital interfaces with scripture.
In a world of constantly flowing conversation, we need a steady foundation of truth. The Bible should not feel like it is in motion or fequently changing. Interfaces should minimize "ephemeral" components that appear, disappear, or fly around.
Languages change over the centuries, but today's codebases change weekly. Any chosen frameworks should be resilient toward browser and OS updates. The goal should be balanced with taking advantage of useful new technologies and meeting user expectations.
Much has been written about the how versification and chapter divisions can affect biblical interpretation. Printed "readers" editions without these divisions are gaining popluarity. Digital forms allow us to minimize the sense of division while retaining the usefulness of a tried-and-true reference system.
Design verse indicators to be unobtrusive (but still easy to scan). Make all chapters of a book accessible without changing screens, preferably with simple scroll actions. Never display a single verse divorced from surrounding paragraphs.
Minimize choices the user has to make. Expansive libraries of commentaries, articles, and media are useful to researchers; normal users are overwhelmed by long lists of resources to choose from. Don't fill the screen with settings, menus, or arrays of options. Make a good choice for the user and hide additional options unless specifically requested.
Copy familiar interfaces. Everyone understands blue linked text and browser back buttons. Hamburger menus and un-labeled icons may look nice and clean but are not optimal for understanding their function. Highly popular but not-so-great-looking sites like Wikipedia, Drudge Report, and others like them are effective because of their uncomplicated nature. Do as much as possible at that level of simplicity.
We bear God's image through our designs and should follow His aesthetic principles. Our creator did not design the universe with flat minimalism in mind. A perfect cloudless sky is softened by a monochrome gradient or sprinkled with non-uniform points of light. Visual complexity increases as we look down and around.
Whatever the design trends are today, do not be afraid to add elements like background textures, embellishments, or other things that seem to serve no purpose beyond "decoration." As pointed out by Josh Bailey, creator of the Dwell Bible app, the rose window of the Notre Dame cathedral is not "necessary," but our experience would not be the same without it.