Strategies Essential for Designers' Progression: Insights and Methods to Advance Design Skills
In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, designers and developers must prioritize ensuring that their products are accessible to all. With one in every six individuals worldwide facing a significant disability according to WHO data, and approximately 28 million people still utilizing Internet Explorer worldwide, it's crucial to adapt interfaces for various physical limitations and outdated browsers to capture a broader audience and potentially increase sales.
Two primary methods to address display issues on outdated browsers are Graceful Degradation (GD) and Progressive Enhancement (PE). Both techniques aim to create websites and applications that work seamlessly across all browsers, regardless of their age. They differ in their approaches but share the same goal: providing key information and preserving core functionality under limited conditions, which can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.
Graceful Degradation starts by designing a website optimized for modern browsers, followed by efforts to simplify certain features and visual elements to support older versions. While the primary function of the website remains intact across all browsers, it may appear more straightforward in older ones, potentially lacking secondary features. Imagine an escalator that transforms into stairs when it breaks down while still serving its core purpose. In contrast, an elevator would become entirely unusable under similar conditions.
Progressive Enhancement, on the other hand, begins with a basic version of a website that outdated browsers can handle and progressively enhances functionality for more advanced browsers.
When selecting between PE and GD, it's essential to consider the unique goals of each project. Visual and functionality prioritization, resource limitations, and existing website adaptation requirements are factors that may influence your choice.
Progressive Enhancement is ideal for projects where resilience, accessibility, and high performance are crucial, as well as for websites with a wide user base, particularly elderly individuals who predominantly use older browsers, such as medical institutions. Graceful Degradation, however, is more suited to projects where visual and functional design take priority, and support for older browsers, though essential, is not the main focus, such as for projects with tight deadlines or limited resources.
Ultimately, successful project implementation requires close collaboration between designers and developers. The developers focus on technical implementation, while designers aim for maximum accessibility, usability, aesthetics, and conversion rates. By understanding your project's goals and learning the preferences of your target users with respect to their browsers, you can make an informed decision between PE and GD.
Technology plays a vital role in ensuring websites and applications are compatible with various browsers, prioritizing accessibility for diverse user populations. Graceful Degradation (GD) and Progressive Enhancement (PE) are two crucial methodologies to address display issues on outdated browsers, enhancing the user experience and boosting conversion rates. Adopting the best technique for a project depends on factors such as visual and functional prioritization, resource limitations, and target user's predominant browsers, ensuring optimal results and user-friendliness.
