Web Design Tip: The Importance of Cross Browser Consistency

The phone rang and a near-frantic gentleman asked if R & R Web Design LLC charged extra to make sure that the websites we design can be viewed on multiple browsers. Apparently, this person’s designer was going to charge an additional fee to make certain that his Web site could be viewed on a variety of browsers.

Our answer was an uncompromising yes.

Why is testing a Web site on multiple browsers important?
Not everyone uses the same browser. The W3 Schools, a reputable is a web developers portal, publishes comprehensive Browser Statistic by month that analyzes browser trends. The following statistics were reported for November 2007 on the browsers people are using to surf the Internet:

• Internet Explorer 7: 21.0%
  
• Internet Explorer 6: 33.6%
  
• Internet Explorer 5: 1.6%
  
• Firefox: 36.3%
  
• Mozilla: 1.2%
  
• Safari: 1.8%
  
• Opera: 1.8%
  

If a website is designed and tested in only one browser, for example, Internet Explorer 7 only, it may not be viewable in Firefox. The testing of a website is on multiple browsers is a fundamental step in the design process and is imperative. Test, test and test again for cross browser consistency.

R & R Web Design LLC is a Chicago Web Design area company offering custom web design, webmaster services and natural search engine optimization.

Web Design Tip: How To Choose Website Colors

The Internet is filled with countless web design tips on various aspects of designing a successful Website. One fundamental choice that may be overlooked is the selection of color.

The first step is to choose the site’s background. Research proves that black or dark text on a white background is preferable as it is easiest on the reader’s eyes. One may like to select colors that compliment a company logo and build from there. It has been suggested by marketers that three basic colors be used for maximum effect.

A color analysis of several top successful Websites reveals an interesting color combination trend. Consider the following colors on a few major Websites:

Adobe.com – Red logo, white background, black text and light grey.
Yahoo.com – Red logo, white background, black text and blue/grey.
Google.com – Multicolor logo, white background and black text.
CNN.com – Red/black logo, white background and black text.
MSN.com – White logo with multicolor on blue, white background, black text and complimentary shades of blue

The color choices for a Website is a basic step in design and one that should not be overlooked.

R & R Web Design LLC is a Chicago Web Design area company offering custom web design, webmaster services and natural search engine optimization.