With smartphone and tablet usage expected to outweigh desktop usage in the next 2-3 years, the collective need for responsive design websites is skyrocketing. Gone are the days of scaled down, “mobile-friendly” websites. Instead, our tech-savvy society demands a fully functioning site they can navigate on any device. From a laptop to a desktop, smartphone, tablet or the next “up and coming” gadget, all technology facets need to be covered.
Responsive Design, formally known as Responsive Web Design (RWD), is capable of providing customized views to different browser platforms. A website created with responsive web design can display a different view or interface, depending on what device accesses your site. In essence, a responsive design will look different on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Most smartphones and tablets can display a standard website, but the content is often distorted, difficult to navigate or hard to read. A responsive design takes screen size into account, offers streamlined navigation, and boosts the default font size. Superfluous content is removed, along with image rollovers and mouse driven features. In its place, touchscreen functionality is refined; individuals can use pinch, zoom, rotate or swipe.
How can your business offer a seamless experience to all users, regardless of device category? In order to make your website more accessible, you must take into consideration the needs of your consumer and your brand focus. What functionality is mandatory? What content is essential? What content can be condensed or removed? A responsive design does not mean a scaled-back web presence. Instead, it offers the opportunity to share a clear, optimized experience regardless of screen size or device. Bottom line, your content is shaped to efficiently and successfully provide information to all visitors.
At Dalen Design, we have been assisting clients in Ottawa, Ontario and across Canada develop and implement their responsive design strategies. In an “always on” society, it is clear responsive design is set to stay. Let our team help define your vision, and reap the benefits of a truly connected web presence.