When developing fixed width websites, there was always some kind of width standard in place. Back when a majority of users were using a 800×600 pixel screen resolution, we would design our websites at 770 pixels. All of the fixed width sites that we develop now are at 960 pixels (for 1024×768 resolutions), and it will probably stay that way until later this year, were we’ll re-evaluate at what new standard we will develop websites for. According to W3Schools and NetMarketShare, there are still 20%-25% of users out there that utilize a 1024×768 pixel screen resolution, and anywhere from 1%-3% that utilize 800×600. In fact, 1024 by 768, is the leading screen resolution according to NetMarketShare. So when developing a website you don’t want to alienate over 1/4 of your visitors by having them do side scrolling in order to get to content. We know that 1024×768 is in decline. Around the same time next year, there will be probably less than 15% of people utilizing 1024×768 or lesser resolution.

So the question becomes, what is the next “standard”?

If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would have answered without hesitation, as the next resolution for 4:3 aspect ratio screens after 1024×768, is 1280×1024. Things were a bit simpler to figure out back then. Over the past decade, the most common screen resolutions were 640×480 (VGA), 800×600 (SVGA), 1024×768 (XGA) and 1280×1024 (SXGA), that is, until widescreen (16:9 aspect) monitors came along. Along with the widescreen monitors, we saw an explosion of portable devices such as laptops, netbooks, tablets and even cell phones utilizing the new aspect ratio, and varying  screen resolutions such as 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1366×768 and the list goes on.

So when it comes to developing the next standard consider a width that is divisible by 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 16. A year ago, Cameron Moll gave several suggestions for the next ideal width on his blog, being most comfortable with 1080. This is the most likely resolution that we will switch to.

Keep in mind though, that not everyone will surf the web at full browser width, so the 960 pixel standard may stick around for a while. In addition to this, many big sites such as Yahoo!, Youtube, CNN, and the majority of corporate websites are still designed for 960. If you wish to make your website design slightly more unique, you may want to experiment with unique backgrounds that extend the limitations of the 960 design space. In the meantime, we just might upgrade to 980, which is the upper width limit for 1024×768.

Happy Web Designing!

Entrepreneur Lee Palmer is proud of what his company has accomplished over its 20 year history.
Palmer Marketing is celebrating its 20th anniversary in discovering and communicating the unique message each transportation company has to offer. This is rolled out through a variety of media, including web, print and promotions, entrepreneur Lee Palmer explains.

Since adopting their Drill Down Deep™ process, PM has earned over 40 design awards across a variety of media. They’ve also implemented the principles of ‘Good to Great’ and have experienced many benefits from getting the right people on the right seat on the bus, going in the right direction. Palmer adds, “We do our utmost to make every project our best project. It’s definitely a challenge, but we’re passionate about what we do and our creative team can hold their own against anyone.”

The artists at PM are conversant in both web and print media and have individual strengths which define their key role within the graphics department. Collectively, they create a full spectrum of artistry, from detailed illustrations to sophisticated flash based animations.

Today, PM is poised for growth. While some larger customers are cutting back, the company has flourished through a robust increase in their web development and branding services for small to mid-size firms. They take an integrated communications approach, creating a consistent look and message across all media. PM sees the web playing an increasingly prominent role in the transportation sector, from online shipment visibility and driver recruitment, to cost effective and adaptable brand building.

PM’s web development manager, Jerry Popowicz, comments, “On the technical side, we implement secure logins, interactive forms, reporting analytics and, more recently, Intranet services for our clients. Our web business has doubled at PM compared to the first six months of last year.”

In June, Doug Culp added his 15 years of sales and marketing experience to PM. “I’m excited about where we can take this company in the future. We have everything in place to serve our customers to the fullest and realize the synergies of more defined processes that endear ourselves even more with our transportation clientele. As VP of business development, my job is to spread the word about how our firm can discover, design and deliver memorable marketing solutions for our clients,” Culp said.

Find out more about Palmer Marketing by visiting our Web site at www.trypm.com