Including customizable, JavaScript-based scrollbars (and scrolling functionality
ID: 649974 • Letter: I
Question
Including customizable, JavaScript-based scrollbars (and scrolling functionality in general, i.e. bind the control to the mouse scroll wheel) in your webapp can be a great temptation.
However all solutions I could find were developed by individuals (which can equal lack of formal or future support). In addition I fail to remember any mainstream site using them.
In my particular case, no-JavaScript or IE6/odd-browser environments are not intended to be supported.
Should custom scrollbars be avoided nowadays? If not, what's the best option one can choose?
Explanation / Answer
One very important argument that is always convincing to me when it comes to usability is consistency. You may want to make all the handles in your site look the same, noble goal, but think about how someone uses your app or site. They're not just using yours, they're using loads. In fact, I have got 8 tabs of 6 different websites open right now. I can switch to any tab and still have the same scrollbar, looking the same, no matter where. I always know where I can scroll my content.
So if at all possible, and if it doesn't angry any graphic designer, stick with what people know :) Unless you have a brilliant new idea, which is going to be a new revolution in scrolling!