Thoughts on Design

I was putting together a list of resources that I regularly use for someone, and I thought it might be helpful for someone else. Firefox Resources

• Web Developer - I use this for all purpose testing. Extremely helpful when checking CSS, but also good with images, forms, and other HTML elements.
• Firefox Accessibility Extension - I use this for evaluating 508 compliance on web sites and other HTML documents
• IE TabOpens IE within a Firefox tab
• LinkChecker - Name says it all
• MeasureIt For finding dimensions of online content or space
• ColorZilla - Find the exact color you’re seeing in the browser.
• HTML Validator - A great validation tool for testing web pages.
• Fangs Screen Reader Emulator - Emulates a screen reader for testing 508 compliance and other usability factors.
• Split Browser - Open two pages in the same window.
• FireShot - A superb screenshot tool.
• Firebug
• Colour Contrast Analyser
• Other hepful, non-design related extensions
  • All-in-One Gestures - Makes browsing easier.
  • Sage RSS Reader - A very nice RSS reader
  • Scribefire - Design as a blogging tool, it’s also helpful for just collecting links.
  • IE View - Lets you switch from Firefox to IE in a click. No need to find the page again in IE, just open your current Firefox page in IE.
  • FoxView - Let’s you open your current IE page in Firefox
  • OperaView - Opens your current Firefox page in Opera
  • Chrome View - Opens your current Firefox page in Chrome
  • Safari View - Opens your current Firefox page in Safari

Resources for Internet Explorer

• Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar - Not as well organized as Firefox’s, but good
• Web Accessibility Toolbar for IE

Resources for Opera

• Opera Browser - A resource all by itself. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s another high quality browser that’s useful to test pages in.
• Web Accessibility Toolbar for Opera