In most GUI implementations today, scrollbars take up a dedicated space next to the scrollable content. How about presenting scrollbars as a semi-transparent overlay on top of the scrollable content? Do you know of any examples of how this has been implemented, and the impact on UX?
So far, I can think of the following pros/cons:
PRO: More of the scrollable content can be displayed
PRO: The scrollbar track bar can be wider, making it easier to click
PRO: The scrollable content does not need to be resized whenever a scrollbar is made visible
CON: The area below the scrollbar no longer responds to mouse clicks, which may be irritating to the user
Thoughts?
EDIT
Thanks for the answers! Some clarifications:
- The scrollbar would still look like a traditional scrollbars, with arrow buttons and slider, except that is semi-transparent (allows the scrollable content to shine through)
- I'm looking for a design that can apply to mouse as well as touch UIs