The data for the most commonly used platforms by visitors to www.utexas.edu are:
| Platform | Dec 2011 - Feb 2012 | Mar-May 2012 | Jun-Aug 2012 | Sep-Nov 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | 59.1% | 60.6% | 58.6% | 56.3% |
| Macintosh | 32.4% | 30.0% | 30.8% | 33.8% |
| iPhone | 3.3% | 3.5% | 3.9% | 3.8% |
| iPad | 1.7% | 2.1% | 2.7% | 2.4% |
| Android | 1.8% | 1.7% | 2.1% | 2.0% |
The following platforms were at less than 1% of usage: Linux, iPod, BlackBerry, Windows Phone.
Develop for Multiple Environments
One recommended approach that developers may use to design for multiple platforms is to build sites that are platform agnostic using responsive-design and progressive-enhancement techniques.
Responsive design focuses on the use of three design features:
- Flexible grid-based layout
- Flexible images and media
- CSS media queries
Progressive enhancement focuses on establishing a base set of features and then adding functionality as allowed by the visitor’s platform.
Information on both responsive design and progressive enhancement can be found via online searches or on sites such as http://www.alistapart.com. Using these practices provides a standards-compliant way of ensuring support in multiple environments as well as future proofing your sites against new platforms.