Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.
Re: You've never owned the look and feel ...
Author: cameron@camworld.com Posted: 9/28/1999; 3:44:46 PM Topic: Windows apps on Linux: the real reason Msg #: 11558 (In response to 11528) Prev/Next: 11557 / 11559
Rogers hits upon my favorite subjects of late: User-Controlled Design.User-controlled design is the concept of designing a web site that gives the end user maximum control over how a page will render in their browser.
I recently implemented a pretty cool little feature on my web site that allows my readers to choose whatever [predefined by the designer] colorscheme they want. This does a few things:
1. It allows the user to choose. A good thing. 2. It helps those who have trouble reading certain text color/background color combinations.
Rogers is right that the web designer never is in complete control of a web site design, and rightly, never should be. Browser preferences (background color, font settigns, etc.) are there for a reason. By over-riding these user-specified settings with HTML and CSS, you are breaking a crucial rule of usability.
Give the control back to the user.
There are responses to this message:
- Re: You've never owned the look and feel ..., James Spahr, 9/28/1999; 4:33:15 PM
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