build for slow guys, not fast guys

usability, modem, dsl, compatibility issues

[papercut]

i have a long standing rule that i believe follows general usability theory: build a site for the lowest common dominator.

graphic heavy, flash based sites, mutli-layered sites seem to be ignoring the reality: most surfers are still using modems. 56k with a subpar connection at that.

as designer its seems its our job to build with the slowest surfer in mind, not the fastest.

every site should load with a modem in less than 40-55 seconds.

[Eric_Jarvis]

Penguinsnob...I'm still a punk at heart...I think blindingly fast IS cool...so in your situation I'd go for an index page with a single blindingly impressive but simple image...a stylish colour scheme and some pretty css "rollovers" for navigation...and try to make something very simple but striking...then the graphics can come in on the "inside" pages when people have made a specific choice to see them

I try to keep index pages below 20k including images and css...normally I'm not so worried once people are into the site...though fast is ALWAYS good [1]

[1] we used to do a version of the Bill Broonzy somg Key To The Highway in my first band back in 77-78...same number of verses as Eric Clapton did on the Layla album...he took around 6 minutes to do it...it took us a little over two and a half

IMO fast is cool :)