MrQwest
IE6
I’ve just listened to the latest ExplicitWeb podcast where John O’Nolan & Hannah debate whether IE6 should be killed or not; or whether we should still be supporting the browser, and I thoroughly enjoyed both sides of the argument. So much so, I decided to weigh in with my thoughts on the subject.
I completely agree with John’s stance on this. IE6 has terrible rendering issues, hundreds of security flaws, is incredibly buggy and is now a 9 years old piece of software. If we — as designers — can’t build websites to our full potential because IE6 can’t handle it, then we are retarding the internet. We’re holding back because a percentage of users out there (this site is approx 3% of visitors) still use IE6 and who want’s to cut out visitors?
And this is where Hannah’s point comes in. Any visitor to your website is a potential customer & nobody want’s to turn away custom. If your client want’s IE6 support, then so be it.
However, some designers say that you shouldn’t support IE6 because it’s a waste of time, it’s buggy & it’s holding back the web. The idea being that if the website doesn’t work in IE6, they’ll upgrade their browser.
But will this work? If a visitor to your website is using IE6, and the website doesn’t display properly, will their first instinct be that the browser needs updating? Will they think “hmm, this isn’t displaying correctly – perhaps I need a new browser?”.
Unlikely.
They’re more than likely going to think that the designer / developer done a bad job and the website doesn’t work. They’ll then move on & find a website that will work.
Personally, I tend to serve a rudimentary style sheet to IE6 users of websites I build. I try to ensure that the website’s main functionality works – and let the design take a back seat… after all your website serves a purpose, how many visitors are coming to your website to look at the design?
On top of the basic IE6 stylesheet, I add a some script that’ll add a box to the top of the page saying that they are viewing a stripped down version of the website & upgrading their browser will allow them to experience the website as intended.
Ultimately though, who are we to force these changes upon users? It’s down to the user to choose to upgrade. If they want to stick with IE6, let them. Just serve a basic stylesheet with a message advising an upgrade. Something like this should do…
<!--[if IE 6]><br/>
<p>Hey, you're using IE6 - a 10 yr old piece of software. Why not improve your browsing experience by upgrading your internet browser. Try Google Chrome, FireFox or Safari.</p><br/>
<![endif]-->
There is no reason that your website should look identical in every browser going.
Honestly, take a listen to the podcast & let me know your thoughts on the subject!
Why not join the discussion?
Previously: E-book Discounts
Next: Walken On Water
Hannah | Jul 14, 07:52 AM | Permalink
Although I didn’t say it explicitly, you’ve hit on a key point in the IE6 debate – people don’t upgrade just because you tell them to.
I think we’ve pretty much hit saturation point such that people who can upgrade have. Everyone else is either massively computer illiterate, stuck without administrator rights or stuck on Win 2000.
Yesterday was Win 2000’s end of life, which although it won’t change things over night, does mean that backwards corporations and large public organisations now have to face the fact their machines are insecure. The pressure is on to upgrade – especially for the NHS with all that private info.
Anyway, those few people left who are on IE6 are still customers. Doesn’t matter if they don’t get your awesome jQuery effects, or if the site is plain and boring. If they are still able and enticed to make a purchase/sign up/get the info they need, you have done your job.
MrQwest | Jul 14, 08:34 AM | Permalink
Hey, thanks Hannah for the comment.
You’re completely right. It doesn’t matter if they see the sweet little details & design bits you’ve built into the website. They are there for one reason, and one reason only. To make that purchase.
If your website can’t serve that purpose, someone else’ will.