In the world of web design, we’ve thankfully moved beyond the days of having to use a 256 “web-safe” color palette. These days I can help our clients develop visual experiences on the web that are more full-featured and visually rich. With broadband becoming the norm, load times are almost a thing of the past. Transparency effects are a cinch with PNGs, and Flash will let us get away with almost anything.

So what’s left to worry about in the design department? My biggest challenge is the environment in which you view my design.

I know exactly what my layout looks like on my 20” high-definition flat panel monitor in an office illuminated with incandescent lighting. But how does that same layout translate to a 19” CRT monitor under fluorescent lights?

Because of the differences in our visual environments we’re finding that it’s still important to consider all the basic design elements to develop a successful layout that can succeed in different viewing environments for me and my client. Not to mention my client’s customers.