As we develop new sites, we are tasked with creating a design that is compatible across top browsers, works correctly, and is functional on any platform used to view the website. Since technology is constantly changing and evolving, this must be considered throughout the entire design process.
We often hear from clients who do not understand browser compatibility. They hear from customers who complain to them that their website is not working right. Most often the issue is that the customers doing the complaining are simply using an outdated browser. It is very important for all end users to make sure their browsers are updated to current mobile standards.
Designing for outdated browsers is fast becoming a cost versus value issue. The programming cost to design for outdated browsers must be weighed against the cost of losing the audience using out-of-date browsers. Generally, designing for browser revisions that are older than two versions is not a cost-effective approach. For instance:
Microsoft Internet Explorer is currently at version 11, so programming for versions older than version 8 would not be cost-effective. Apple made the cost versus value analysis when they chose to not support Flash software on their mobile devices. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a technology chosen by all professional designers today, and CSS Design is required. Most end users are now using mobile devices. Therefore, if your current website is not responsive you should consider a re-design.
Website Problems which interfere with cross-browser compatibility:
Problems can occur with restricted bandwidth (on some mobile devices) and a variety of screen sizes can also cause problems with cross-browser compatibility. To keep load-time to a minimum and to have the images and other graphics to be displayed properly, each page view must be optimized to adapt to each screen size such as computer view, I-pad view and I-phone or droid view.
If you can avoid using imagery on mobile views this is best but if you must use them, they must respond and change to the correct size based upon the device being used. Less imagery and graphics are suggested for a mobile view.
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Jean HollandRose
Chief Creative Officer and SEO Professional
