Today, there are an estimated 2.3 billion internet users in the world. By 2015, a predicted 2.1 billion users will be mobile internet users. With more and more people accessing the internet from different devices, it’s important to design websites so that users on any platform can view them with without issue. This is called responsive web design.
So how does it work? In a nutshell, responsive design uses the web browser’s information to determine how much space is available and thus how to display content. Breakpoints are set on different sections of content to target different displays, creating fluid grids. For example, breakpoints could be set for phones, tablets and desktops, and could accommodate portrait and landscape modes. Images scale with grids instead of having fixed sizes.
Responsive web design is quite a recent trend, but is really the future of the web. There are many benefits to having a website created with responsive design. Aside from having a website that looks good on all platforms, you only have to have one URL for your website, which makes it easier to share. All pages from your site are available to view on any device. There’s no need to zoom in on smaller devices to see content, as everything is scalable. Responsive web design provides a consistent and clean experience for all your users.
Google also recommends responsive web design for webmasters as a new industry standard. And, since responsive web design keeps all your content under one URL, it makes it easier for Google’s algorithms to index your website, potentially boosting its page ranking.
So as you plan out your website, think to the future and seriously consider responsive web design. We here at Web Designs by LAO practice responsive web design and endorse its benefits!