Responsive web design has been a buzz phrase for some time now, and if you’re new to online business, you’re probably wondering what that’s all about. Well, don’t fear when Unbound is near, because we’ve got you covered.
Basically, responsive web design is a method whereby websites are designed in such a way that they provide optimal viewing, reading and navigation experiences across a range of platforms and devices. In other words, it makes it easy for you to enjoy your favorite sites, whether you’re using your computer, tablet or smartphone.
As a business owner, you want a responsive web design, so that your market can access your site with ease and pleasure from anywhere, any time.
But there are more reasons why you need a responsive web design:
1. The number of browsers, platforms and devices that need to successfully interact with your site, grows daily. In 2011, around 85% of all new mobile phones were web enabled.
2. Currently, a quarter of all web users, use only mobile devices to access the internet.
3. In the past, webmasters required to versions of their sites: one PC and one mobile. Today, a responsive design takes care of both users’ needs.
So What is a Responsive Web Design, Really?
Each type of device has a different sized screen on which it displays your website. Therefore, the images have to adjust for optimal viewing. A responsive design does exactly that. Here’s what else it can do:
Text Size: Responsive web design can be configured to change the size of the text on your web pages to be easier to read on small screens.
Ease of Use: Certain configurations can make touch screen buttons easier to press.
Formatting: Responsive web design can format the website to radically change the appearance of the site, including hiding or showing sections of the site, customizing content, changing colors and graphics and reducing the size of the site in order to highlight the most important aspects.
Why Should I Get a Responsive Web Design?
One or two decades ago, a business website was optional. Five years ago, a mobile website was optional, and a responsive web design was optional until late last year. However, if you want to appeal to the masses, now is the time to get your site optimized to work on a range of devices. A responsive website design adjusts your site based on which device your visitors are using. Without responsive web design, you would have to create a website version for each different device and screen resolution.
When responsive design first became an option, many people opted for losing visitors who used a certain device, hoping to gain more from another. However, as responsive design became better understood and people realized how affordable it is, they have have realized the value in one design that customizes your site for a wide spectrum of users.
With so many different devices and platforms out there, responsive web design shifts the way in which websites will be created for the next decade or so.
Responsive web design responds to the user’s environment and behavior, using the device’s screen size, orientation and platform as a guide.
You’re left with a site that adheres to the best practices for mobile internet environments:
- Simple Navigation
- Lists or Rows (rather than columns)
- Focused Content
If you have not yet harnessed the power of responsive web design, don’t delay any longer.