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What Makes a Good Web Design?

Posted by Cliff on from the efficient-and-aesthetic-use-of-(D|X|HT)ML dept.

Grand Master Math asks: "I'm currently redesigning my website and I have checked out tons of various web sites, gone from link to link, etc...to find the best web design techniques, layouts, and features. Wow Web Designs proved to be a pretty useful site, as it showcased virtually 'the best of the web' in design and creativity. I was wondering what the Slashdot community has to say about web design and what the best web design should implement and address. From browser compatibility, to simplicity and complexity, and customization to user interaction, what should a perfect web design incorporate?"

3 of 790 comments (clear)

  1. target platform/browser - Windows/IE by BWS · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Browsers:

    Making your page look good on every browser and platform is impossible. It will take too much work and you probably don't have all the systems

    Look at your target and decide what browser they are going to be using. For most web sites its IE4/5/6 and optimize for that... but also consider Netscape and Mozilla. You gotta remember the percentages.... (IE has like 85%+ of market share)... However if you are going to target LINUX/BSD optimize for Mozilla/Galeon. That seems to be common.

    Use FRAMES and Images maps if you need it. Don't let people that use LYNX make you avoid those. Yes technically you can avoid using frames/image maps... but that's not the point... use them if you have to. What you want to do is avoid excessive use...

    Scripting:
    JavaScript is good... try to avoid VBScript and definately do not use ActiveX controls... Flash and Shockwave when necessary (what I mean is don't make your entire page in Shockwave/Flash)... there is no point.....

    --
    -- Note: These Comments are Generated by ME! Not You! ME!
    1. Re:target platform/browser - Windows/IE by GigsVT · · Score: 1, Flamebait

      Making your page look good on every browser and platform is impossible.

      It is possible, just follow the W3C recommendations. Don't "optimize" (i.e. break) your page for any browser, no matter what market share it has.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
  2. Re:K.I.S.S. by mosch · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    ALWAYS pop up external links into a new window. It pisses the HELL out of me when I click on a link IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ARTICLE and end up LEAVING the site and have to hit back, then select to open the link in a new window.
    Did your momma drop you on your fucking head? Try middle or right clicking. or option-clicking or something if you're a mactard.

    It takes a special kind of stupid to not understand the whole point of hypertext. Congratulations, fuckwit, you have that stupid!