How much is too much?

[SweetCharity]

How much is too much when it comes to graphics on a website?

For my part, I find excessive graphics horribly aggravating. My computer is as old as Methuselah, and graphics take FOREVER to load. If they don't serve an important service on the site, don't include them!

Other thoughts?

[Nogard]

I also think excessive graphics is horrible. When I go to a site, I don't want to see a bunch of graphics. If the page takes for ever to load (I'm on dsl), I will click out of the page.

[SweetCharity]

I'm not even on DSL. I have the pleasure of waiting for all those graphics to load from my landline, dialup, and believe me, it's not a nice thing.

[Thumperfive]

I think a lot of people forget that not everyone has the newest, fastest computer on the market - so don't fill your page with the flashiest, loudest music crap because if it can't load or crashes their computer.... they won't be back!

[Nogard]

Yeah that some of the myspace profiles. They add so much crap that even a fast computer will be slow there.

[Thumperfive]

exactly - you can't sell your product if no one can stand to see the website!

argh!

[SweetCharity]

Regardless of whether you're trying to sell a product, provide information, or just get people to click on a lot of ads, 1) if you have a website, you probably want traffic (or else just go color on paper or something) and 2) if you want traffic, music and too many, too large, image files are a Bad Idea.

[Thumperfive]

yep - keep it simple and aimed at the general computer user that may not have all the coolest plug-ins and who doesnt' want to listen to heavy metal!

[SweetCharity]

There's another question to consider, of course: on a scale of 1 to 10, just how necessary is each image, flash animation, and audio file? Could you possibly convey the necessary information to your customers or visitors without it?

If the answer is anywhere close to 'yes', cut it. People with slower computers will thank you.

[Thumperfive]

yep - too often the site owner forgets it's supposed to be for the Customers, not YOURSELF. If the customers can't navigate or even load the page... well, what's that going to do to your sales, hmm?

[destiny]

I *so* know where you're all coming from... I find heavy graphics on
a page the height of annoyance. If I'm sitting there waiting for a page
to load for longer than I think is necessary or normal, I'll shop elsewhere
if I was buying something or go somewhere else even if I was just
poking around for entertainment. :cool:

[Thumperfive]

it's amazing how many people design for *themselves* rather than for the potential customer...