Okay, so let me start by saying: PLEASE do not tell me how to create a fluid website or that I should read some statistic from Google on just how much pixel width by height is visible by website visitors as tracked by Google analytics…
As a web designer, certain assumptions about your audience must be made in order to design an effective website. So, what pixel dimensions do you assume are the minimum pixels width and/or height that these users should view your website at?
I understand that with a properly formatted “fluid” design, you should be able to view it at any dimensions – HOWEVER, there is always a target that the designer is hoping for as their minimum and maximum viewing sizes.
So, how about it? I want to hear people’s personal experiences. Please do not point me to some obscsure net-article. All of that is great, BUT, I want to hear from those others, like me, who are in the trenches, actually designing websites: what pixel dimensions do you think are the minimum that your site should be seen at?
So, once again, for those in the cheap seats….
WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS THIS:
What size is the optimal size to view your latest, greatest website design at?
Please, no flaming-weenies telling me what is wrong with my post… if you have nothing constructive to add, please do not respond.
I usually design for 800×600, taking out some vertical space for the browser, so around 800×450 – 800×500. If all of the important information falls in that resolution when viewed with OS-default font size settings, I consider that a good thing.