Frames in Database searching functions

[George Jenkins]

At 07:31 AM 7/2/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Let me start by saying "I HATE FRAMES. They are blocky, silly, confusing, and
>make pages hard to use."
>
>Now:
>
>At ALA I saw a number of web database projects using frames. The most
striking
>was the prototype for OCLC's Webz version 4.0 Out of the Box Interface
(due to
>be released in the first quarter of 1998). Another was the Congressional
>Quarterly.
>
>In general, four to five frames were used:
>    - menu bar at top
>    - search history or results list at left
>    - results or record at right
>    - bookmarks, help, etc at bottom
>
>Much as I hate frames, this seems to me to be a useful implementation of
>frames concept, one that can't easily be done another way.
>
>First, what do other people think about this use of frames?

Jennifer:

<rant><rave>
I agree with your opinion above.  Frames do make pages harder to navigate.
It is often unclear which frame to begin clicking within.  Many surfers
still don't know about the right mouse click to go backwards (or left click
if you are left handed).

As a web designeer, one must make choices about whether or not to build to
the "lowest common denominator" browser vs. more features/functionality.
This was the original concept of the Internet: to make it easy for everyone
to surf.  Frames aren't supported by some browsers.  Building only to
Netscape and IE isn't always the best solution.

ALSO, most sites don't need this technology.  Tutorials are a good
application/use of frames.  The best implementation of frames I've seen is at:

	http://webpagesthatsuck.com/

Plus, the site is a good tutorial on the design mistakes frequently made.

>Second, what guidelines can we set up that would ensure that frames are only
>used when appropriate and only in the most appropriate way (if we are
going to
>use them?

IMO, if a simpler design meets the users' needs, the better.  This applies
especially to the efficient use and size of graphic images or colors.

</rave></rant>

Thanks.

George


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