Centered vs Fluid Websites

Many customers ask us to design "fluid" websites i.e. one that fills the entire screen whatever resolution or monitor size the visitor is using.

You can see a "fluid" version of this website here

This request is usually for one of two reasons.

1. The customer is "used" to this type of design

2. The customer prefers the "look" of the fluid design.

To a degree we would agree with the latter, however please bear in mind the following:-

Firstly, take a quick look at www.msn.com - that is the most visited website on the planet. It is, as you can see, a centered design.

Now, ask yourself this question. What is more important, a website that delivers your information and/or sells your product OR a website that looks "nice"?

Now ask yourself:- "why have msn, and most other major sites, switched to centered design? The answer is two-fold:-

1. It is a proven fact that centered designs retain visitors. In internet speak they are more "sticky". This is because it is easier to read - its that simple. Your "message" can be delivered in the most effective manner by using a layout that is easy for the visitor to use.
   
2. It is a proven fact that reading a long way from left to right (i.e. more than around 10 words per lin) causes eye strain for the visitor.

Long gone are the days when the big boys wanted flashy websites full of animation and colour. Nowadays there is so much competition on the Internet that the important thing is the delivery of information as quickly and easily as possible.

Back to Websites Design