Responsive web design is a way to create a website that adapts to different display sizes and orientations. Or more simply, design a website to display nicely on any device. The size of content and amount of information that can be effectively displayed varies with different screen and device sizes. Responsive design allows for a site to adapt to these different devices and display the optimal amount of information at the optimal size.
Most people using mobile devices have experienced a site with too much content and content that was intended for a much larger display. A site that works displays content in a specific manner for specific screen sizes.
Web developers interested in using responsive design should take advantage of the following css to implement responsive design:
@media screen and(max-width: 500px) {
#column_a { width: 50%; }
#column_b{ width: 50%; } }
This example would apply the css for these two columns to all screen width that are 500 pixels wide or narrower.
A website that uses responsive design has separate code for different screen sizes. These screen sizes are determined by user defined breakpoints. For example: we might decide that we want the site to appear a certain way for every screen with a width of 300 pixels of less. To do this, we would write code to determine how the site should behave for this size. However, we would likely have several different breakpoints to code for. Widths from 300 to 700 pixels might have their own code. Widths from 700 pixels to 1,000 pixels might have another chunk of code, then everything from 1,000 pixels upwards would have its own code as well.
One common approach to this type of design is to create several columns of content. Then, depending on the width of the device, your code will define how many columns wide to display the content. If the screen is smaller, the columns will be stacked on top of each other rather than being displayed side by side.
The result is that the right amount of content will be displayed and at the correct size. When done right, this will be true no matter what device you use to view the website, including both mobile and desktop devices.
Screenshot examples from 4cesi.com:
Here are some tips for making a responsive design website:
- Consciously prioritize your content to make the best use of the limited space.
- When your screen is smaller, the most important information should be displayed prominently, and the rest of the content may require scrolling or separate links to access it.
- Prioritizing content also means recognizing where your valuable keywords and phrases are being used to make sure these are not lost.
- You will also need to ensure that you do not lose your calls to action.
Some other parts of your content that are not a normal priority may become priorities when you use your site from a smaller display. A prime example of this is your contact information. Usually mobile visitors are significantly more likely to access your contact information, address, map, phone number, etc.
For more information regarding web design contact Cascade e-Commerce Solutions, Inc. at info@4cesi.com or visit our website at www.4cesi.com.
