Another interesting yet very useful article on, once again, how to tailor a wed site to consumer usability and this time it is with screen resolution and page layout.

The article basically says that there is a standard size to shoot for when in comes to web page fitting the screen of every user. Jakob Nielsen uses the three following criteria:

  • Optimize for 1024 x 786 pixels: This is the most widely used screen size but the key is to always adjust to your target market and make changes for the future.
  • Do not design solely for a specific monitor size: This in effect says that screen sizes vary upon the user and that it is ultimately better to adapt to all levels.
  • Use a Liquid Layout: Your web page can stretch to the current monitor size of most users. Using a "frozen" layout would defeat the whole usability purpose.

All in all, 60% of monitors are 1024 x 786 so why not aim for the majority at hand.

Nielsen also explains what he means by "optimizing for 1024 x 786" by the page looking the best and working the best at the common size. There are three criteria that he uses to optimize a page layout:

  • Initial Visibility: Interestingly, all the key information should be above the fold so that there is no scrolling.
  • Readability: self-explanatory, is the page readable?
  • Aesthetics: Are all the elements the right size, lined up, captions next to photos, etcetera?

I think the some of the most important stuff is what came in the following with making sure your page works with smaller window sizes and limiting scroll usage. At the end of the article, Nielsen talks about where he is seeing the industry go referring to the future growth of monitor size.

I think that this topic is a lot more important than I once thought. It all comes down to making a page as enjoyable and fulfilling to the consumer as it needs to be. Design then comes next. I think a good practice of using different browsers and monitors is an exercise that I am willing to handle when it comes to designing a web page for the world.