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Guide 7. How do I create my website?
Web design principles: Web browsers and new technologies (screen 5 of 17)
Two different Web browsers
The two most common browser applications are 
Netscape Navigator(1), and Microsoft Internet Explorer(2). The competition between these two is fierce. There are other browser applications, but they are not as commonly used.
Why mention this here? Because the two major browser applications often display the same Web screen differently. Even different versions of the same browser will often display your screens differently. The smart designer keeps this in mind.
To ensure that a person is getting the most out of a site, a designer should indicate which browser and version is the best to view it by including a statement such as this on the home page or in the FAQs: 'Best viewed with Netscape Navigator 3 or later at 256 colours with Java plug-in'.
Implementing new Web technologies
Web technologies are developing at a fast rate. Even if you don't use them on your site, it is worth regularly spending some time keeping up-to-date on what new Web technologies can do, and consider implementing those which will enhance your site's functionality. There are many places on the Web to find out about new technologies. Builder AU (3)is a good place to start.
It's always important to consider your users before you implement new technology on your website - generally your users want a fast, simple experience. They want to get to your website, do what they came to do, find what they want to find, and leave. They'll want fast download times, an easy-to-use navigation system and they'll want a website where everything works. Some new technologies complicate simple functions and require users to have plug-ins or high-end computer power. Think carefully about whether introducing new technology will enhance your users' experiences of visiting your website.
If you provide all the bells and whistles, consider providing a non-bells-and-whistles version for those on slow modems and old computers. As much as possible you want all your visitors to enjoy their visit to your website and to come back again and again. Always keep usability in mind.
Accessibility
In a later Guide(4) we look at issues which affect accessibility and our obligation to ensure users with special needs are not disadvantaged.
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References
- Netscape Navigator http://home.netscape.com/browsers/index.html
- Microsoft Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/
- Builder AU http://www.builderau.com.au/
- Guide 7 screen 7 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g7/s7.htm
If you can see this message, you are probably not seeing this site in the way it was designed. This site uses cascading style sheets (CSS2) to control the way in which elements are displayed on the page.
You will still be able to access everything in this site, but we do recommend you upgrade your browser to a more recent, standards compliant, browser.