Website Layout 101

There are four elements to a successful website: content, layout, function and search engine optimization.  All four are equally important.
 
A good website has to focus on the visitor's experience.  No matter how pretty, no matter how cool, if the visitor can't find the information they are looking for the site is a failure.

When placing content on a page the designer has to understand how a visitor uses a webpage.  User studies have consistently shown that website users prefer certain content to be in specific areas of the page.  Navigation in the left sidebar, primary content in the middle and special info on the right.  Visitors expect contact info and a text navigation bar at the bottom of the page.  Links are the only text that should be underlined.  The most important text needs to be above the scroll.  The list goes on.

To create a "unique design" and ignore visitor expectations is hubris.  Try to redesign a book - say, put the index in the middle or have the pages go back to front - and you'd have the same revolt.  Imagine redesigning a gas station so the pumps are behind the store - how many potential customers would just drive on by?  When you invite someone to your webpage you must consider their needs if you expect them to take the time to find out what you have to say or to sell.

While I want all visitors to see the same content and a similar layout, I know that unless we go with a PDF format (not a good idea) there will be differences.  I try to make sure that the majority of visitors have the site optimized for them.  That means if you use an antique browser or obscure monitor setting I am less concerned that the looks different. 

In general, the following settings are currently used:

Operating systems -

• Windows 92% 
  • XP 87%
  
  
  • Vista 5%
  
  
  • 2000 5%
• Mac 6%
• Other

Browsers -

• Internet Explorer 79%
  • 6.0 - 55%
  • 7.0 - 44%
• FireFox (2.0.0.4-6) 14%


• Safari 4%


• Other

Screen Resolutions (Monitor Settings) -

• 1024x768 - 46.88%


• 1280x1024 - 14.97%


• 1280x800 - 10.08%


• 800x600 - 8.37%


• Other 

To make things more fun, we have to think of trends.  So Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 7.0 and Screen resolutions over 1024 x 768 are growing. Firefox is holding steady and everything else is losing ground.

When you start by putting your visitor first, your site has a real chance of success.