StudyFacts
Designing Websites – Browser Considerations
When creating a new website there are many factors that most site visitors would never notice that need to be considered. One, is what the site visitors will be using to view the website. That’s right – browsers. In order to visit websites we will all access the internet using a browser of some kind. Which one can depend on personal preference, company policy or sometimes, when/if you’ve ever updated/upgraded your current system or computer. Browsers are basically programs that take the coding from the website files, translate it and put it together in a viewer to present the information in a palatable manner. Not all browsers are created equal and will interpret website coding differently, albeit slightly. Thus difference will result in moderate differences in how the website looks depending on the browser, screen size or even which version of the browser.
This is the norm. As technology changes websites need to be versatile enough to accommodate these changes as well as be usable with the ‘old’ technology. Don’t kid yourself. Your site viewers do not all have the latest and greatest on their computer. Many are still using older browsers and programs and you need to ensure you are presenting well to them as well.
Browser Market Penetration
You Should Know….
Something to Think About
We pay a dentist to know how to treat our teeth and any issues that we may have. Rarely do we know more or assume to know more than the dentist. This is usually the same when it comes to web design. As a company, our focus and area or expertise is marketing and WordPress sites. As a result we stay on top of trends and best practises and know our stuff. With this we know the balance that needs to be achieved with website development. The bottom line always comes down to making it sell to visitors.
Updates
Browser updates can and will affect how your website is interpreted. Updating is, therefore, important in order to ensure your site is both safe from unauthorized access and is seen the best way possible.
Older Browsers
They are not gone. People and companies still use older browsers so these need to be considered in the development process. When working with a WordPress site, most good themes will take this into consideration.
Load Times
There is a thought that the extra code may increase site load times. Honestly, not an issue. Any increase is maybe a fraction of a second so not a concern.
WordPress vs. Custom
Yes, custom sites can be developed that allow for extreme fine tuning as to browsers and how sites display on each one. Expect to pay 3-5 times more for these. Personally – we believe it’s not worth it in most cases.
Who’s Looking?
Perception
People fall, generally, into one of five categories when it comes to technology. Note the percentages and consider how/who your target market really is.
• Innovators 2.5%
• Early Adopters 13.5%
• Early Majority 34%
• Late Majority 34%
• Laggards 16%
Innovators
Early Adopters
Early Majority
Late Majority
Laggards
Why this information?
Knowing this makes the developmental process a logical process and not just a random shot in the dark. Bold statements as to what should and should not be done with/in websites are irrelevant if not backed-up by facts. Reaching a broader audience and not alienating your clients is important when doing proper market research and development.
User Experience Research
You may think your clients are all in one specific category but the truth is they are likely not. A good marketing / website development company will not assume. All angles should be covered and considered.
Process and Design
The variety of browsers comes into play when considering placement details. What fits perfectly on one browser may not be the exact placement in another. Then mobile devices need to be considered and planned on. Yes, your visitors WILL use mobile devices to access your site. When on the way to a meeting or coming from one it’s the best way to do quick research. Be ready and responsive.