Have you ever walked into a building that bends or expands as crowds approach it? A space where the temperature and ambient lighting adjusts as the number of people increases or decreases? Or a glass room that automatically becomes opaque when it reaches a certain density threshold? This framework—pun intended--of responsive architecture has taken hold in the world of website design.
Architects don’t build an entirely new building for each group size and type that passes through it, but they are experimenting with making the experience fluid and flexible to accommodate people in new and exciting ways. Similarly, responsive web design also stretches to anticipate your needs, sometimes before you even realize it. It doesn’t use robotics and motion sensors to create custom-made solutions, but rather it is a whole new way of thinking about design.
The term responsive web design was first coined by web designer Ethan Marcotte, author of Responsive Web Design and the brains behind the Boston Globe redesign. At its most basic, the concept involves using CSS and HTML to resize, hide, shrink, enlarge, or move content to make it look good on any screen.
Internet use is increasing exponentially on tablets, smartphones, watches, and other mobile devices. Each of these instruments may be able to handle variations in size, functionality, and even color. The problem is that mobile websites usually have reduced functionality and content. This can cause frustration amongst visitors, especially if they are familiar with your full website.
If you create one responsive website, you don’t have to create a website for each device. Your prospects can easily view your content on their desktop computer or TV as their mobile phone. In addition, mobile-friendliness can positively impact your search rankings. Look at this another way. If you don’t adapt your website to fit these different platforms and fit them well, you will likely lose viewers and ultimately, lose business.
Mouse/keyboard or touch screen/fingers? Size your clickable buttons across your landing pages appropriately to work with both.
10. Test Your Designs
Run usability tests with actual users and make changes based on their experiences. This kind of testing and editing is commonly referred to Growth-Driven Design and can be implemented to constantly make changes to your website to make the best impact and increase conversions.
LAIRE. We not only talk the talk, but we walk the walk as well. Our website design is continually being tested and optimized across all viewing screen sizes to ensure the best experience possible. Not only did this make our website look great, it performs great as well. Our leads can easily contact us, read our resources, and view our services from any device.
We think that in the not too distant future, the term Responsive Web Design will become redundant because ALL web development and design will have to be responsive if you want to put your site into everyone’s hands.
Not sure where to start with your website or curious as to what your site could be missing? Download our “25 Website Must-Haves” for all things a standout (in a good way) website should have. We’ll send you a free copy directly to your inbox for you to reference with all of your website builds!