4 ms·

This is a totally crazy out-there idea, so be kind: Rather than trying to create a layout system that can adapt to any window or screen size, as with CSS/HTML,

This is a totally crazy out-there idea, so be kind: Rather than trying to create a layout system that can adapt to any window or screen size, as with CSS/HTML, Java, iOS, etc., what if instead we had settled on a small number of permitted aspect ratios for screens? I'm carrying the analogy from paper sizes: A4, A5, A1, etc. So probably we would have gotten this wrong when we first defined them (see iPhone aspect changes), but presumably after a while they settle down and then we can stop testing for the old aspect ratios. Monitors, laptops, tablets, phones, would all standardise to a set of options just like most books and magazines standardise to a given size. I know there are downsides, but imagine how much easier this would be for designers. Cross-platform UI design would be much simpler. Just a radical thought I had.

Achshar 11y ago
Aspect ratio isn't every thing in design. The size of the window is just as important. A 3x2 21" screen needs very different UI approach than a 3x2 3" screen. And standardizing screen sizes is not really a sensible option.
- randomsearch 11y ago
  > Aspect ratio isn't every thing in design. The size of the window is just as important. A 3x2 21" screen needs very different UI approach than a 3x2 3" screen. Good point. I was thinking more along the lines of the fact that design tools and tech that enable adapting to an arbitrary screen size are unlikely to be as easy to use and expressive as those targeted for a specific aspect ratio (for example, you could use absolute positioning). > And standardizing screen sizes is not really a sensible option. Suspend disbelief for a moment, or consider only from the POV a single large corporation / group (e.g. Apple or Android).
  - Achshar 11y ago
    It's really about the burden of the effort, it can either be easy for the users and a pain for the developers or it can be the other way around. We can standardize the ratios and sizes and that would make things easy for devs sure but then that would decrease the variety and innovation for the user. If there really were a handful of fixed sizes and ratios then that would make things like google glass, smart watches, galaxy edge or any other kind of unconventional device with non standard display that much more difficult to ship to the masses. We don't know what kind of display size and aspect ratio the next contact lens display or the next building sized display will have. So I believe it's better to keep our self open to new possibilities.
olavk 11y ago
So your browser have to be maximized all the time, and the browser chrome dimensions have to be mandated by a spec.
- randomsearch 11y ago
  That would be the hypothetical idea, yes.

Achshar 11y ago

Aspect ratio isn't every thing in design. The size of the window is just as important. A 3x2 21" screen needs very different UI approach than a 3x2 3" screen. And standardizing screen sizes is not really a sensible option.

randomsearch 11y ago
> Aspect ratio isn't every thing in design. The size of the window is just as important. A 3x2 21" screen needs very different UI approach than a 3x2 3" screen. Good point. I was thinking more along the lines of the fact that design tools and tech that enable adapting to an arbitrary screen size are unlikely to be as easy to use and expressive as those targeted for a specific aspect ratio (for example, you could use absolute positioning). > And standardizing screen sizes is not really a sensible option. Suspend disbelief for a moment, or consider only from the POV a single large corporation / group (e.g. Apple or Android).
- Achshar 11y ago
  It's really about the burden of the effort, it can either be easy for the users and a pain for the developers or it can be the other way around. We can standardize the ratios and sizes and that would make things easy for devs sure but then that would decrease the variety and innovation for the user. If there really were a handful of fixed sizes and ratios then that would make things like google glass, smart watches, galaxy edge or any other kind of unconventional device with non standard display that much more difficult to ship to the masses. We don't know what kind of display size and aspect ratio the next contact lens display or the next building sized display will have. So I believe it's better to keep our self open to new possibilities.

olavk 11y ago

So your browser have to be maximized all the time, and the browser chrome dimensions have to be mandated by a spec.

randomsearch 11y ago
That would be the hypothetical idea, yes.