Website and Graphic Design
Website and Graphic Design
This article was first published on July 13, 1998.
Every Web site will have subtle differences when viewed with different Web browsers, it is a limitation that designers ought to consider when producing Web sites. Sadly there are some that simply do not and hence you see notices proclaiming that their particular Web site is, "best viewed with..."
This statement is over used and often unnecessary as the Web site will work perfectly using other software, sometimes the layout may appear different but essentially the pages are readable. I often think that people only put, "best viewed with 'brand X'" because 'brand X is the only software they have used to test their Web site.
Some Web sites take the "best viewed with" requirements further by stating the monitor size necessary to view the pages, and pointing out that the site uses Java, JavaScript or various other "enhancements". Placing such information can often put people off exploring the site further and they will only seek for alternative Web sites.
Ideally all Web sites, especially commercial sites, should be accessible by anyone, no matter what software/hardware combination they use. Obviously there are times when certain techniques are used to enhance a Web site or to make it more interactive and dynamic. If your Web site does use the latest techniques that only version 4+ browsers will be able to display then you need to make it accessible by all by making the pages compatible with older software or even by providing alternative pages. By preventing certain groups of people from viewing or accessing your Web site simply because they do not have the latest software or do not have certain Plug-Ins installed is a classic example of Digital Discrimination.
Which browser you use is up to you, but if you have not tried the alternatives then you should as you might be pleasantly surprised. I have at least two versions of the two main rivals, Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. A bit odd you may think, but it enables me to test a Web site that I have designed to make sure it will work with the various brands and versions of software as I strive to provide Web Sites that are usable by a wide range of Browser software. Of course I use JavaScript and some Dynamic HTML which is not be utilised by older software, but I endeavour to provide Web sites that are browser friendly and alternatives will be provided when necessary.
I think of the slogan, "best viewed with any Web browser," when designing a Web site. To be realistic I would put, "best viewed with my Mac at my desk, from the hard-drive (not via the Internet), with a nice cup of coffee (maybe a couple of biscuits), at night to avoid reflections on the screen, just after paying all the household bills and preferably after my favourite soccer team has won (relaxed and happy)..."
To conclude; no Web site needs to state that it is best viewed with certain software or on a screen of a certain size, as a good Web site designer should have embraced the software and hardware differences, the limitations of Web design, to provide Web pages that work with any type software/hardware configuration.
It can be difficult for some Web designers to make sure that their Web sites will work with the various browsers on so on. Asking your visitors for feedback or getting friends and colleagues with different computers and software to test the site for you will help you provide Web sites that will reach a larger audience.
September 7, 2010
