What is responsive design?

Nowadays, the internet and technology are constantly shaping the way in which we relate to the world and how we go about our daily activities. So, if one of your goals is for your brand, business or company to get noticed in the immense digital world, it’s key that your online content adapts to these transformations.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest changes to date has been the way in which we give and receive information in the world. The continual technological advancements have led people to expect their information needs to be satisfied immediately, easily and efficiently.

Users no longer wait to look for a book, a newspaper or a magazine with the information they need. Today, they can get this information as and when they want, with the device they hold in their hand. Whether that be a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or even a smart watch.

This is where the importance of responsive web design (RWD) on your website comes in. But what is it exactly?

Responsive design refers to the set of web design techniques that aim to adapt one web page to different devices. Adapting the website allows for a satisfactory user experience no matter the device they’re navigating from.

What are the advantages of responsive design?

–Content and images are more fluid. This improves the user experience, given that it allows for easy browsing without the stress. This is key to get people to revisit your website.

–Helps the SEO of your website. Responsive design provides a satisfactory, relaxed user experience that will undoubtedly increase your web traffic. This increases the opportunities for success on search engines. Your website will be considered as useful and interesting for users.

–Increases a content’s virality. This is due to users sharing content naturally without encountering any problems, such as duplicate information.

–Avoid duplicate content. By using one web page that automatically adapts to different devices, there’s no duplication in the URL. This makes it difficult for content to appear more than once.

–You save time and money. You don’t need to create nor maintain different types of content and websites for each device. With one website (with responsive design, of course) and quality content, it’s enough.

–You’re a step ahead. Responsive design is not limited to one type of device, it adapts to all new devices that will come too. Remember that technology never stops, it’s in constant innovation and no one knows what’s in the future.

A few more things about responsive design

Before finishing off, we’d like to tell you that, apart from responsive design, there are other formats you can choose from for your content to adapt to different devices. Some of these formats are mobile web and apps.

Remember, it’s important to know the differences and the features of each one so that you can choose the best on for your brand based on your budget, resources and expectations.

Mobile Web

-This is a webpage apart from the usual webpage, created specifically for mobile devices.

-It may need more development (a specific design for different screen sizes) which may make it more costly than RWD.

-It offers more specific content than responsive design, as it seeks to fulfil specific goals. An example of this is Google Maps.

-It has more capacity than a responsive design, so it does not affect the weight of the content for its functionality.

-There is limited space to spread out information.

-It can be useful for you to complement your usual website with different content focused on something more specific.

App

-Needs effort on the user’s part to install and update the app.

-Involves considerable spending on development and distribution (App Store/Play Store), as well as maintenance and updating.

–Accessibility on an app is greater than on a mobile web or on a website with responsive design. That’s why user experience, in most cases, is completely unique and satisfactory.

-It has the capacity to add different types of content without affecting its functionality. From an online shop to game dynamics or deeper interaction with users.

-Most apps work when connected to Internet. However, it’s possible to tell basic information (e.g. location, products, telephone number for a shop).