Over the past year, the term responsive web design has gained more and more attention - and with good reason. Since the goal of any efficient internet media location is to be as visible and useable to as many people as possible, designers have to take into consideration the fact that there are many different devices on which all internet locations can be viewed. From smart phones to extra-wide desktop monitors, these options are great for getting seen by everyone who accesses the internet. The difference in screen size and resolution on different devices can be somewhat problematic, which is where responsive web design is needed.
Function
Because there are so many devices, screen sizes, and resolutions on which the internet can be accessed today, responsive web design uses what is called a fluid layout and responsive page elements such as images, video, and text. By creating multiple sets of code, one to fit each of the main device types, it is possible for almost any viewer to access internet information without distortion or missing content. Of course, this is a very basic definition and there are many details involved to create a responsive web design. Basically, it involves three layouts of the same page that gets called up separately, depending on the device being used.
Implementation
Creating a fluid and responsive website involves having three ways to present the same information so that the user, no matter what type of device is involved, manages to find desired and searched for material. The easiest way to accomplish such a design is through the use of responsive web elements like fonts, images, video, and audio. By using CSS code to control the different elements, it is possible for a website to display the same content even on a smaller device but in a different way.
Increasing text size and decreasing image size on a mobile website makes for more user friendly viewing as well as allowing for each size to adjust accordingly, dependent upon whether it is viewed horizontally or vertically on the device. The proportions of tablet screens when creating layouts must be planned as they are rapidly becoming a staple gadget in many households. Avoid using pixels in the CSS code for controlling size; instead use percentages to ensure that the size of the font or image is always proportional to the size of the entire website.
Benefits
The main advantage of responsive web design is its ability to provide the best way to assure that no matter what type of device is being used, the internet can be accessed and seen in the way it has been planned. This is critical since many people are frustrated by tiny text size, slow loading pages, and scroll bars taking up precious smart phone screen real estate. By creating a layout that prevents all such things, website traffic will increase and it can be seen by the most amount of viewers on the device of choice. Bounce rates should also be lower, since each internet page will adjust to be as user friendly as possible. Additionally, there is only one actual page to create instead of several with different layouts. This is great for SEO purposes because all views will count collectively toward increasing page traffic and make the website generally more efficient.
Though it may seem like a lot of trouble to design for such small screens, considering that over 25 percent of all internet users access it on cell phones alone, designers must take this seriously. Failure to do this can negatively affect performance depending on the type and purpose of the website. More importantly, having an internet presence that is easily and comfortably accessible on any device will undoubtedly earn and retain customers as well as create credibility and positive brand recognition!
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