http://browsersize.googlelabs.com/
We already know that Google is obsessed with their own speed and efficiency, but the search giant is also trying to make everybody else faster on the web as well. Google Site Performance, for example, provides tips from Google on how to speed up your website, while Speed Tracer increases the efficiency of web apps by tracking performance.
The company is once again tackling the realm of website efficiency with a new tool that doesn’t track site speed or app performance, but the size of the browser window. The app, Google Browser Size, aims to help website owners solve one of the most fundamental problems in web design: How should I lay out and design my website for higher engagement and conversions?
Google Browser Size is very simple: It overlays a transparent image on top of any website, displaying what percentage of users (on average) will see your content without scrolling. Because people use various browser settings, monitor sizes and screen resolutions, it can be tough to know when a key button, like a “Donate” or “Subscribe” button, is visible and easily reachable by your users.
On the top and left are numbers depicting the length and width of the screen, in pixels. In the middle you’ll notice an array of colors and percentages. Based on research the company did during the 20 percent time of several engineers (this is time where Google engineers can pursue almost any project they please), they were able to extrapolate at what pixel height and width Internet surfers could see the page without scrolling, from 99 percent to essentially 0 percent.
What the company did to gather this data is rather fascinating (you can read more about it on the Google Code Blog), but the end result is a deceptively useful tool that will really tell you if you’ve designed your website efficiently or if you need to move key buttons around.
Try Browser Size out on your website, and tell us about the results. Will you be changing anything because of this tool? Let us know in the comments.
The Central Penn Adobe User Group (CPAUG) is a free, official Adobe User Group for people of all skill levels and professions who use Adobe software in the Central PA region. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and include print and web designers, developers, photographers and freelancers. Most people are in college or older but we are open to all ages and skill levels.
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