The Basics in Flexible Web Design

[VelMurugan]

The Basics in Flexible Web Design

Web designers should build for flexibility because Web pages are never displayed the same on all computers. The reason for this is that not only do different browsers have different default settings, but the user also has control over various visual features. The layout of a page can be made in solid, liquid, or suspension form. Suspension is a mixture of solid and liquid—the solid portion being in the middle of the liquid. In solid design, the items on the page are measured in pixels rather than percentage, so that the page will not stretch to fit the screen. This is an attempt by the Web developer to make the page identical from one computer monitor to the next. This design method disregards the wide array of computers, monitors, and resolution settings. This solid design can result in large amounts of white space and can also cut off part of the screen if the computer's resolution is set low.

Liquid design is where percentages (relative units) are used, which helps to reduce the amount of unused screen space. Both liquid and solid layout have pros and cons, but Schmitt observes a compromise in a combination of the two. Suspension design might be the best way to design for the Web because it allows you to have certain content marked off in a confined area while filling up the browser viewport with other 'liquid' content. A common variation of this design might include a left or right column in a fixed width, while the main column fills the remaining space.

Text display is an important design issue since many people are still not as comfortable with reading a monitor as they are with reading printed words on paper. People generally prefer short sentences when reading on the Web, which is why a good design should break up large paragraphs. In an attempt to make a site usable in a fluid environment, the use of CSS to control text length and margin existence is essential. Schmitt believes that lines of text should not depend completely on percentages but should be limited to 400 pixels due to the difficulty in reading across wide monitors. Readability also depends on the contrast between background and foreground. The color of the text should be considered in relation to the color and pattern of the background.

The look of the font greatly affects the overall look of the page. Keeping the font small helps keep the page looking clean and organized but the font should be big enough for people with normal eyesight to see it with ease. Sans-serif face fonts, especially Arial, are good for most on-screen designs. Another usability concern is the length of the page. Length be kept to a maximum of three to five screens. In the event that pages exceed this length, placing intra-page linking in the page allows for easy navigation back to the top. In regard to the homepage, experts would urge that it not require scrolling because it is believed that many users do not generally like to scroll around on the first page. If information is so great that a second screen of the homepage must exist, keeping the most important information towards the top is preferred.

On a Web site, topics of interest should be easily located. This can be done with a constant navigator bar and a site map listing all pages in some order or grouping. To help with locating topics of interest, certain parts of the design should be placed throughout the entire site, not just on the homepage. These include the site's logo, top navigation, and side navigation. It is considered good design to have a navigation column on every page so that the "back" button never has to be used. Its also good to let your audience know where they are on the site. This is accomplished through the use of headers denoting topics and subtopics. Some people recommend the use of a subtle background image. The purpose being that it provides shape and movement without intruding on the visual design of the site.

Visual content should be interesting in order to grab the attention of the audience but the total size of the page should be small enough for the page to download quickly. It is not always good to use the latest technology in Web design because browsers usually need plug-ins that require downloading when the technology is brand new. New technology can also be annoying to those who are not used to it. More important than good-looking graphics is the freshness of the content. A design issue that should be applied to the Web site on a regular basis is the practice of updating. Keeping a Web site updated encourages users to believe new content will be added on a regular basis, and will keep them coming back. In addition, new information keeps the site attractive and interesting. It is easy to forget sometimes that simple Web sites are attractive Web sites, which is why it is important to not overuse flashy graphics and animated GIFs. Even a little white space can add definition to a page and reduce its complexity.

Source : ArticleBase

[dhoni]

the flexible web design should have more information
this gives more details to have known in this basics

[williamthompsonwt12]

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