Window Resolutions: 1024 x 768 vs. 800 x 600
Our online research statistics, from WebIQ, indicate that 1024×768 resolution has only a slightly higher percentage of use vs. 800 X 600. It seems that 40% of the browser population uses 800 X 600 resolution. Websites should ensure that critical information and action items be displayed above the page fold at 800 X 600. If they are not, site visitors may miss them altogether. This is especially important for Homepages.
With this example, members of the site have to scroll down the screen to access direct login fields.
With this example, it doesn’t appear that information exists beyond the left navigation menu, which may cause users to miss the specials and savings information.
With this example, the image takes up a large amount of real estate at 800 X 600, and users may miss their ability to use the ‘Catalog Quick Order’ or ‘Store Locator’.
Other examples (besides Homepages) of how information can be missed on a website when information is displayed below the page fold at 800 X 600 include:
- When search results appear below the page fold, users sometimes think that they do not have any results at all. It is important to at least have the first few results appear above the page fold at 800 X 600.
- When error or confirmation messages are displayed below the page fold, users sometimes think nothing has occurred or they have done something wrong. For example, confirmation that an item has been added to a shopping bag can’t be seen because it appeared below the page fold.
Our recommendation: As long as a sizeable number of your site visitors are using 800 X 600 resolution, make sure critical items are displayed above the fold. Coding everything for 1024 X 768 could be costing you and your users.
