How you can use responsive web design to your advantage?
In our technologically advanced society, there’s no telling how exactly someone will view your content. The same person may use different devices based on the time of day and where they are. For example, someone who reads articles on their laptop at home would probably use a smartphone to read the same articles while traveling in the metro. You can use responsive web design to ensure that all visitors to your website have a positive experience – no matter how they choose to access your content. But what is a responsive web design? And how can it help you?
Definition of responsive web design
Responsive web design can be defined as an approach to web development that automatically modifies the appearance of a website, depending on the orientation and size of the display screen.
While adjusting to different screen resolutions is a critical part of responsive web design, engaging in this approach requires a whole new way of thinking about design. In the past, developers would build multiple versions of the same website to accommodate different screen sizes. Now, however, this is close to impossible because of the sheer number of different screen sizes that people use.
Ethan Marcotte – who originally coined the term in 2010 – has said that responsive web design allows you to “design for the ebb and flow of things”. And indeed, this approach to design offers a more fluid experience to users. As you are well aware, a better experience for users usually translates to more conversions when people visit your website.
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The features of responsive web design
1. Adjustable screen resolution
As we have already mentioned, one of the most important features of responsive web design is being able to adjust your content to screens of different dimensions and resolutions. These days, many devices can switch seamlessly from portrait mode to landscape mode. How do you ensure that your web design is flexible enough to change at a moment’s notice? The answer lies in…
2. Flexible images
While flexible text layouts have been around for a while, the need of the day is to have flexible images. Graphics that do not resize well will break the flow of your layout. One thing you can do is hide and reveal portions of pictures based on the orientation of the display screen. Another option is to use a fluid design that allows your images to slide around based on the display. The CSS function “max-width” is a perfect starting place for responsive images. However, you also need to take into consideration image resolution and how long your page takes to load.
3. Custom layouts
If you anticipate that your webpage is going to need to change size drastically, you can utilize multiple style sheets. You can assign an overarching style that will always carry over. In this style, you want to define all your main elements (like colors and fonts).
4. Showing and hiding
content It doesn’t always make sense to have every piece of content available on every screen size. For mobile environments, it is common practice to have more focused content and simple navigation. However, if necessary, the opposite is possible as well – you can choose to hide selected content on large screens and only display it on smaller ones.
Now that we have looked at the main features of responsive web design let us take a quick look at the benefits it affords.
Advantages of responsive web design
1. It reduces your overall web design cost
Instead of paying your developers and designers to create multiple versions of the same website, you can make a one-time investment in responsive web design.
2. It keeps your website flexible
Whether you need to change colors or fix a typo, you only have to do it once, which makes it quick and easy to update content on your website.
3. It improves the experience for your users
You want to make sure that they have a seamless experience, without needing to scroll too much or zoom in and out often. When you make it easier for your visitors to access your content, they will be more likely to come back to your website. They will also be more likely to recommend your website to others.
4. It can help with your search engine optimization
Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites. Using responsive design will help you rank better on search engine results pages. And, of course, the closer to the top your website is ranked, the more likely it is for potential customers to find you.
5. It is easier to manage
Responsive web design takes away a lot of the stress of updating your website. Instead of making changes to different versions, you can make just one change and have it reflect across your website regardless of the way it is being accessed. This is especially important if you run a small business and do not have a lot of time to spare.
As with anything else, engaging in responsive web design also has its drawbacks.
Disadvantages of responsive
1. web design Your website may not look great on every single device
While this is a problem that your designers and developers have to solve, sometimes you will find yourself with your back to a wall. The best thing to do is to hire a web design company that will do its best to take care of this for you.
2. You may want to have different offerings on your desktop and mobile sites
For example, you may want to give mobile users the option to download an app. This becomes difficult with responsive web design.
3. Banner ads may not resize well
If you display advertisements on your website, you may find that they do not show up well on different devices.
Taking all this into consideration, the benefits far outrank the disadvantages. As technology continues to get more complex, you want to be sure that you are prepared for the future. If you’re not sure where to get started with responsive web design, iTrobes is here for you. We provide strategic digital solutions – including web development services – all over the world. We will help you build a website that takes care of not only your needs but also those of your customers. Write to us today to get started!
