The Responsive Internet–Design as Varied as the Devices in Use

There was a time when the Internet was nothing more than a few highly-skilled people on similarly programmed devices sharing academic papers–nothing like the Internet of today. Sites are full of colorful and interactive material and users range from the computer elite all the way to the tentative point-and-click fledgling just learning to navigate. Devices can also vary widely, from a home computer to a mobile device, all working with different platforms, different Internet browser software and operating systems. Designing a website that will be interesting yet simple to navigate, and work on all devices, no matter what their programming language or screen size, seems to be an impossible quest. “Responsive Web Design” is the answer, and it is the only way to survive in the ever-changing world of technology today.

In the past, a website was created that would work for the largest portion of the population using the most common browser, operating system and device. Once it was finished, trial, error and debugging helped the site muddle through the problems encountered when it was opened on a different operating system or browser. Those with less-used browsers and devices were usually left with patches and mostly-functional sites even after the repairs. Content wouldn’t display correctly, might run off the page or not load at all. Once the world saw a device that could fit in the palm of the hand and access the Internet, poorly-designed sites were also too small to read, bringing them from “frustrating” to “impossible.”

Responsive Web Design directly tests the system, browser and device, in effect asking the device itself what would display best. By only presenting the user with the best possible visual interface, frustration is eliminated and the website excels. There is less need to re-size, pan or scroll to see the page, every link works every time and the content always loads without an error message in its place. Instead of being measured in pixels, a fixed way to size an image, content is programmed based on the percentage of the screen it fills and automatically fits any screen on a fluid grid.

Skilled designers focus on a “mobile first” approach. Deciding what to simplify or delete to accommodate the small screen size was always a sacrifice. Starting small and growing is always a better way to preserve the original design intentions rather than trying to decide what of the big design should be discarded to make the material fit in a smaller version. If a website can be easily navigated by a person looking at a tiny screen, trying to avoid the sun-glare and tapping at links with fingers that always feel too big for the job, even the most inexperienced users should have no problems on their home computer.

With so much of the global experience, in commerce, education and even socialization, taking place on the Internet, web design has become the job of an artist and technician as well as a translator that speaks every tech language from basic programming through the platforms needed for mobile apps. Outside every tech store during a big sale, new users line up to purchase new devices. Responsive Web Design is the only way to unite all people, and all devices, in one functional Internet.
The Author: Brian Scruggs is an industry journalist and accomplished blogger. He enjoys exercising his creativity, blogging, and eating sushi. You can visit this valuable resource for more info about this article’s subject responsive web design You can find his contact information on the author’s profile page.