If you have JS disabled, the site should still function completely. This means that if you are using JS to add some behavior to some kind of sliding, “hide-show” menu, it should be open by default if JS is off, and the anchor, or action should not indicate any kind of effect (it shouldn’t say “hide/show” if JS is disabled, because you will not be able to hide or show).

Remember that we are only enhancing our designs by adding behavior, we should not be generating crucial content, or using AJAX to import content that should be visible by all users.

Obliviously there are exceptions to these rules, like in some application development, and controlled environments, but much caution should be paid.

Thanks for stopping by, and hope this cleared it up some.

“This might be a good time to use JavaScript to it’s full potential by traversing the DOM to show or hide stuff. Another option could be AJAX […]”

“Turn JS off and if your site doesn’t work 100, go back to the drawing board […]”

Maybe you could explain that better. I’ve been failing to design interfaces that would balance these parts; anyway AJAX makes a site absolutely dependent on javascript, or am I missing the point?

I just wanted to let you know.. I run this really great table-based design site in India. It’s award winning, you know!

Oh and also, your design completely sucks. Do me a favor.. Change everything twice for me, and then change it back. And while you’re at it, could you bend over?

Sorry, Couldn’t resist. And I’m not sure if you ended up changing the text or not, but it’s fine to me.

I completely agree regarding the whole disable JS bit. About a year ago I had a client tell me they wanted a JS-based nav. For some reason, most clients are..difficult. Their way or the highway (if they switch to a different designer because i wont develop a train-wreck waiting to happen for them, it’s fine by me because I end up coming out ahead anyway [vs having to deal with them])

However the one I didn’t really agree with is the new-window idea. Generally, my rule of thumb is that if the link isn’t going to an external page, it wont open in a new window/tab. If it is going to an external page, I like it to open in a new window(tab in my case). For some reason, It just really gets under my skin when a completely different website opens in the same tab as the one i’m currently using (unless of course, I tell it to).

Anyway, I really like the article, and as a 15 year-old “freelancer” (If you can even call it that at 15), I can safely say that I follow most of your ideas in my own practices.

Benjamin

I haven’t added a search yet, and perhaps it could do with a ‘call to action’ like you said.

Take a look if you like: http://www.coin-a-drink.co.uk/

the process is ON, and shortly you would be looking at the change.

If any other inputs, please feel free. We are still in BETA version.

thanks,Raj

Secondly, I would appreciate it if you would stop posting comments to “take a look at your award winning site”

Why a tabled based design?

What are your views for my award winning design : http://www.miraclestudios.in