Time to Revisit My Sites Resolution

August 30, 2007 9:36 AM
Related Categories: blogs, Web Dev

For a long time now I have been using the 800x600 resolution on most of my sites.  On some of my newer sites (such as this blog redesign) I have played a bit with wider designs.  The recent blog post by Pro Blogger got me thinking about doing more proper research into what my readers actually use, and pinging the ColdFusion community about their findings and preferences.

Pro Blogger recommends checking the stats for the site in question to see what percentage of people use 800x600.  This isn't perfect, as many people may have a higher resolution, but have their browser not fully maximized or people may have a favorites bar on the left side (like my parents always do).  However this is at least a bit of a guide. 

So what are the percentages using 800x600 or lower resolution? (companies I work for, or my own sites)

besavvy.com : 3.07% (coldfusion cms product site)

harbourlight.com: 14.29% (graphic design shop)

spamstocktracker.com: 4.56% (simple spam tracking site)

disregardme.com: 2.72% (blog)

usefulconcept.com: 2.27% (this blog)

bestaffiliateslist.com: 7.87% (list of affiliate programs)

I find it VERY interesting that the percentage is so high for people looking for graphic design services (web design, advertising, etc) vs the other sites.  It tells me that some sites are certainly able to utilize a 950 width design now, while others should probably not or maybe go liquid.

So what are your percentages?  Do you like the idea of having your side bar always on the right?


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You know, I kinda like the idea of keeping the page width contained (or at least liquid) because I think those stats miss something in that it does not indicate the actual size of the browser window, only the screen resolution. Even though my screen resolution can accommodate a wide page, I like not being required to have my browser monopolize my screen real estate all the time.
# Posted By Brian Rinaldi | 8/30/07 10:02 AM
There must be very few (under 1%) at 800x600 or lower that visit my site. It doesn't even show up in one of my tracking programs.

Let me check Google analytics, though I haven't been using that for long...
# Posted By todd sharp | 8/30/07 10:39 AM
Google reports 2.08%
# Posted By todd sharp | 8/30/07 10:40 AM
Blogs and technical sites appeal to the young and technical people that know their way with technology. On these sites you'll see higher resolutions, high firefox usage and more Macs. But general interest sites paint a different picture.

Our <a href="http://www.media-division.com">design</a> site has 9% of visitors using 800x600 as screen res, while <a href="http://blog.richnetapps.com">the more techical blog</a> is used by people with higher resolutions - only 1.65% have 800x600.
# Posted By Gaspy | 8/30/07 11:04 AM
I am of the mindset and the preference that just because a monitor CAN handle large web sites, doesn't mean it SHOULD handle larger web sites. It simply not that fun to read across so much content; and, even if content is narrow, but split up into 3,4,5 columns, it's still information overload! The Monitor is not the real constraint - the real constraint is the use experience.

To relate it to something else, think about magazines. There is pretty much a standard size for magainzes that everyone uses. But every now and then, you get some weird magazine that wants to stick out so they make their magazine like 3 inches taller and 2 inches wider than everyone elses.... and what happens? The magazine is not fun to read - it doesn't fold well, it doesn't fit in the magazine rack nicely - it's simply too much Stuff.

My 2 cents.
# Posted By Ben Nadel | 8/30/07 11:04 AM
I tend to agree that bigger isn't always better. I did this new blog design with 3 cols, but I find it a bit busy. Then again you really can have a wider screen without more stuff. Just more whitespace / air. I think having the option to be at 950 gives you choices and that is a good thing. You don't need to fill it all just for the sake of doing it.

Ben, I know what you mean about the newspapers. It reminds me also of people with funky business cards. There is a reason they are a standard size damn it!
# Posted By Joshua Cyr | 8/30/07 11:26 AM
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