6 Foot Web Design

Standards Based Design

A standards based page is better for both the business and the browser. In addition to being the hot, new thing on the web, a standards based site also:

• Ensures Compatability

  Pages will render correctly regardless of the browser used, size of monitor, or even device. This means that rather than coding several different versions of a page that depend on whether the user is loading Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc., we code one page that works well everywhere for everyone. Less coding means easier maintenance and less cost. Also, using published standards effectively makes your site “future-proof”. No need to redesign every time a new browser version is released.

• Simplifies Maintenance

  The content of a page is separated from the look of the page. This makes it easier for anyone to update the look or text of a page independantly.

• Opens Access

  Browsers without CSS compatibility (like those on PDAs and cellular phones) will still be able to render the text of the page correctly. This means your information still gets to the client regardless of their access point.

• Saves Bandwidth

  Separating content from style makes pages significantly smaller. That means faster downloads. A typical page will be full of spacer images and bulky positioning information. A standards based page has no need for those elements, which means that your bandwidth costs are reduced. Even better, a client on a standard modem is able to enjoy your site without significant slowdown.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. See similar takes from industry leaders like 456 Berea Street and Adaptive Path.

Doss, Glover, 6Foot Design