Good website design principle or am I a luddite?

[Cuddles McKitten]

As someone who uses the NoScript add-on for Firefox, I've noticed that it seems that virtually every website now uses Javascript/Java/or Flash -- often on mission-critical items such as menus or even just to display the page. It seems to me that those elements should be minimized and only used when absolutely necessary (such as in video, etc.); items for navigation, etc. should just be basic HTML. Am I just an extremist, or does anyone else agree with me?

[Melindrea]

No, I agree. I prefer most of the pages being pure HTML and formatted with CSS, and then use javascript/java/flash to add to it.

[McRat]

With a well-designed site, you should always have a LOW BANDWIDTH button that turns off scripts and large graphics.

[JDShu]

...

[NMFTM]

Being that this is a Linux forum, I think you'll find that most agree.

[undecim]

I agree with you. I never use javascript on my webpages unless I absolutely have to. I don't even bother using javascript for IE fixes.

[ve4cib]

It depends on the type of site IMO. Websites that display static/non-interactive data should be done without scripts. Scripts can add to the experience (i.e. Lightbox frames for image galleries, auto-hiding menus, etc...) but the basics should all work without scripts.

Web applications are an entirely different matter; they're web sites that require/expect user interaction. This requirement in turn necessitates the use of scripts/dynamic content. For such websites I'd say it's forgivable to require scripts for navigation and such, since without them the user won't be able to use the site anyway. Ideally you should include a <noscript> tag that contains instructions to enable scripts and/or a link back to a previous page that does not require scripts.

[supersonicdarky]

I find it really annoying when viewing comments requires javascript (engadget and gizmodo for example). Even if its to protect from spambots, its really annoying.

Only use javascript when necessary (and avoid flash/java at all costs).

[aklo]

Using javascript like Jquery and mootools, you can do very subtle "animation" which are not heavy at all. Infact a site with some javascript can really enchance a site...if you do it well.

Using JS won't make your site look good if you are a bad designer...but if you are a competant web designer, the extra touch you give your site will make it perfect.

If anybody even look at web blogs of web designers you will probably see reference to his site...

http://www.sohtanaka.com/web-design-blog/


Look at the header (Home, blog, portfolio etc) and the footer an unordered list menu just mouse over them.