The Nokia 9000 Communicator was the first web responsive handset in 1996. Since then, web accessing from mobile devices became extremely popular so that consumers could get web content on the go. This gave rise to our new epidemic about Responsive Design.
Having responsive design when creating digital projects, allows any device to respond and distribute a suitable output. Responsive design is like delivering an app experience without actually building an app. Mobile devices need fast loading pages and focused content.
Otherwise you have to use the “pinch and zoom” method. Although the project may reduce the quantity of content, it at the same time makes it look less cluttered, easier to use and the content flows. This provides great user experience across any device.
If there was no responsive design then you would have several different versions of the same content that would need updating. The reason is because some companies have invested in different projects for each device, ie: PC, tablet and phone, and then those 3 would need updates.
Creating and maintaining separate mobile and tablet specific projects increases development costs and extends timelines. Doing this maintenance is not responsive and not being device agnostic.
Responsive design is a way of making a digital projects work effectively on any desktop, mobile device and tablet. Each year there is an increasing amount of different screen sizes made.
• 97 is the average number of unique screen sizes in 2010
• 232 is the average number of unique screen sizes in 2013
Whether it be an android smartphone, iPad or e-reader – regardless of the operating system, responsive design will give the best quality content layout. Basically, it’s simplifying the way consumers interact with online information.
Why is responsive design so important?
Whether you are sitting at your desk or if you are out and about, everyone has their own different needs. When using this responsive design tool, digital projects can automatically adjust the content to fit the mobile device screen for perfect user experience. Desktops get the full interface with all of the content and larger images. The iPad for example, will get the “in-between” interface.
Why implement responsive design?
• 75% of people prefer a mobile-friendly site
• 61% will turn to another site if they don’t find what they’re looking for quickly
• 67% of mobile users say that when they visit a mobile-friendly site, they’re more likely to buy a site’s product or service
• 48% said that if a site didn’t work well on their smartphones, it made them feel like the company didn’t care about their business
The content on a digital project like a corporate website, is typically the first point of interaction with a business that the customers have. All content should look complete and have relevant information to the customers on the go. Now if they are on the go and hear about a business that peaks their attention, they can look it up right away. Look at Skura Corporation for example, (a closed loop marketing and mobile sales enablement company) – they have incorporated same user experience across all types of devices, whether it be an iPad or an android tablet. With having responsive design it’s going to help increase the mobile sales enablement and help with content management within the company on any digital project. It is the users understanding that enables visitors to consume content on any website through the device of their choice.
Google+ Tara Anderson
