Hotel Analytics & Technology
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The statement you mentioned is a common phrase often used to highlight the potential distraction caused by the layout and content of a page. It is derived from a passage in "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum," a philosophical work by Cicero.
In the context of your statement, it suggests that when a reader looks at the layout of a page, the content being displayed may divert their attention or cause distractions. This is because the human eye tends to naturally gravitate towards readable content and engage with it, potentially diverting attention from other design elements or intended focal points. While this concept is widely recognized, it is important to note that the overall effectiveness of a page's layout and design can greatly influence how well the reader's attention is directed and maintained. Skilful design and strategic placement of content can ensure that the reader's attention is properly guided and that the intended message or purpose of the page is effectively conveyed.