Re: What does your implementation process look like?

Andy Dingley wrote:

The problem is with the ones who can only think about pixels and have
_no_ understanding of web platform accessibility. The "must look
identical everywhere" advocates.


It's been my experience that the computer monitor is too similar to the little box in so many family rooms (TV). Some people are used to total control of the medium in print, and the TV screen is just electronic paper. So I begin by emphasizing that the web is a new medium, requiring a new standard.

Even my least tech savvy clients can grasp the concept that each individual custom builds every web page that they view, consciously or not, through their choice of display dimensions, color depth, etc. Without numbing their brain (too much), I show how these differences are not like the difference between a 17" TV and a 54" TV. I usually say that HTML is contains a set "suggestions", but the individual has the final say.

To be honest, I'd rather just not work with these people.

Who does? Some of us have the luxury of not working with people we don't always see eye to eye with. I doubt that is universal.


If the site has real content and the designer is a fixed-pixel
obsessive, then I blatantly lie and cheat to fool them. Code it at
100% as it ought to be, demonstrate it as paper printouts only with a
carefully-chosen default size to make it "fit", and never allow a
meeting to happen in a meeting room that has a working browser in it.
Block their laptop's IP from the web server if you have to.

It's surprisingly easy to do this. If they're dumb enough to still
think that fixed pixel design is a good idea, they're dumb enough to
hoodwink.


I guess that's one approach, though it strikes me as a bit extreme. Not to mention what says about my relationship if I have to "hoodwink" my client, or their agent.

I usually point out that they wouldn't select content that could alienate, or even offended potential customers, why use design techniques that could. If I'm unsuccessful, or if I feel we can't come to an amicable understanding, I'm back to "I'd rather just not work with these people." It doesn't do me, or them any good to do something that I believe is against their best interests. My professional integrity is part of why the hired me in the first place.

My biggest challenge comes from third parties who's artistic intent is in conflict with the medium. From the client's perspective we just have a difference of opinion. I've even had one of these "artists" use javascript to resize the browser window "to maintain the proper aspect ratio." Talk about a rude entrance to a website!

I haven't gotten to the point of "give me fluid design, or give me death" (my apologies to Patric Henry fans). I can come to terms with some "semi-fixed" layouts, as long as they don't have to declare "best viewed in..., or on..., or with...", and as long as the inherent negatives don't overwhelm the positives. I've even seen some interesting discussions on the effect line length on perception and usability. That might argue in favor of a more fixed layout, at least in it's outer envelope.




.

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