Google offers browser-compatible web design tips

08/09/2008

Web developers focusing on making their sites compatible with all browsers have been offered advice on the best ways to do so by Google.

The search engine recently launched its own browser, Chrome, and as a result has called on web design professionals to follow some of the basic principles behind the construction of a site that can be viewed in all of the major browsers.

Writing on the Webmaster Central blog, Maile Ohye, Google developer programs tech lead, said that focusing on web accessibility - such as using HTML rather than AJAX - can improve browser compatibility, as can using validated code.

She also highlighted the importance of conducting usability testing and making use of tools to check for and fix isolated errors.

"When your site renders poorly or is difficult to use on many browsers you risk losing your visitors' interest and, if you're running a monetised site, perhaps their business," Ms Ohye stated.

Google Chrome was launched last week in beta form with the aim of providing a browser specifically built to cope with the demands of today's rich internet applications.