Every user of the internet will have their own unique way of using the internet and this can vary according to which platform, operating system, browser and screen size they use.
Platform – PC, Mac, Tablet, Mobile, TV etc
Operating Systems – Windows 7,8,10, Mac, Linux etc
Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera
Display – Screen Sizes e.g. 1920x1080 and 1366x768 monitors
| Chrome | Internet Explorer | Firefox | Safari | Opera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | 6% | 18% | 3.5% | 1.5% |
| Win10 | Win8 | Win7 | Mac | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 15% | 42.5% | 10% | 5.5% |
| Other High | 1920x1080 | 1366x768 | 1280x1024 | 1280x800 or Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | 18% | 35% | 6% | 10% |
Google Chrome on it`s release has risen in popularity and continues to be the most popular browser; IE(1995) was king up until 2008 then overtaken by Firefox(2004) until 2012 when chrome became the browser of choice for most users.
When designing and developing a website it important to realise that the eventual user will be viewing the website in many different ways and this needs to be taken into account in the development process and checking the site is working and displays correctly across the board is essential through checking on different platforms, browsers etc and by the use of emulators.
The modern day designer needs an array of platforms, screens sizes, operating systems and browsers to get the job done! The main tests 5 years ago was with how the site reacted on different browsers also known as Cross Browser Compatibility and Internet Explorer 6 was the bane of many a designer, but luckily that aforementioned application has been consigned to internet folklore.
Nowadays the main buzzword is Responsive Design and how the website reacts on different Monitors, Tablets, and Mobiles etc. and that is essential in the design process and has to be included correctly before any new website is launched
A great website and a website that will be a future Return on Investment will be a site that is compatible on multiple browsers and on different hardware.
