Andy Clarke, in a discussion of dealing with IE6, makes the really important point that a designer shouldn’t be required to make a web design look the same in every browser. Let me expand that to statement to recognize that in addition to multiple browsers, we now need to be concerned with multiple operating systems, multiple devices (moble phone/laptop/desktop), and multiple distribution channels (Rss readers, newsletters, screen readers). If we could once fool ourselves into thinking that we controlled how users viewed our pages, it is time to burst that bubble.
Let’s face it, there are just too many possible combinations of possible viewing configurations for a designer to control them all — so let’s stop trying. And stop pretending to clients that it can be controlled. Focus on the actual content. Make sure it is properly structured, with a standards-based design (CSS, XML). Content management systems like WordPress or Drupal can really help here, as you start with content already structured somewhat. Well written, relavent content that speaks to an audience doesn’t need a lot of flash, or carefully aligned pixel perfect designs — they’ll speak for themselves. And play better in the multi-varied device/browser world that is the growing reality.
Universal Internet Explorer 6 CSS | For A Beautiful Web
…keep in mind that web sites cannot, need not and should not look the same in all browsers. Unfortunately many designers and developers use this approach and spend hours or days attempting the cross-browser, pixel-perfection that their clients still mistakenly expect.
Jeffrey Zeldman Presents : A new answer to the IE6 question?
The problem is IE6. Outdated but still widely used, especially in the developing world, its inaccurate and incomplete CSS support forces web designers and developers to spend expensive hours on workarounds ranging from hacks, to IE6-only styles served via conditional comments, to JavaScript. Some refuse to serve CSS to IE6 at all;
Comments / ONE COMMENT
neotericuk added these pithy words on May 22 09 at 10:08 amreally good one from you, Andy is going great.
ADD YOUR COMMENT
Comments are moderated.
Randall Rode's online home for thoughts, notes, and experiments with a wide range of technology topics. Visit the about page for info on my recent projects and professional background. I welcome your comments!
New articles are normally posted on Mondays and Wednesdays. Subscribe to the RSS feed or the email update to keep current on the latest posts.
Past listings from 2004 to the present
Need a home (or better home) for your website? I highly recommend HostRocket -- they are the best!
