With the business world continuing to lean on Internet technologies more than ever before, responsive web design is a term that is used often. Before you can understand this term, you need to understand what web design is. The name itself is pretty self-explanatory, but just to confirm, web design refers to the disciplines and skills used in the production and upkeep of websites.
Responsive Web Design Explained
Therefore, a responsive web design is related to web designing in general, but just simply refers to a certain type of design. A responsive web design is a term related to the notion of developing a website design that can automatically alter it’s own lay out according to the user’s computer or device screen.
For example, if someone is to visit a website using a responsive web design using their iPhone, the layout will automatically change to fit the screen. Websites that are not responsive do not have the ability to change according to which device the user is browsing on and therefore navigating, reading and using the website can become really difficult, unclear and sometimes even impossible.
Defining The Term
The term responsive web design can be defined as a design technique used by website designers. You can also find responsive web design templates online, which have been created for users to install for themselves, although the backend work and the design technique used to make the web design responsive is always carried out by a professional.
Benefits of Responsive Web Design
As a term, responsive web design can easily be understood. However, there are more benefits to having a responsive web design than you may first imagine. Besides the fact that a responsive web design makes multi-device adaption effortless, it also benefits website owners when it comes to maintaining website. Before responsive designs were invented, designers would have to create multiple versions of a website in order for it to work on each device. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Another bonus is an increased conversion rate. If customers can access your products or services via more than one device, it is likely your conversion rate will go up. If visitors are able to make purchases using their iPhone or tablet then conversion rates are set to go up.
Web designs that are responsive also benefit from staying relevant for longer. If a website design has the ability to look great on all different mediums, it is likely to have more longevity on the web.
Websites that have a responsive design can provide benefits to the user too, in terms of the experience they have on the website. Without a responsive website design potential customers may visit the website on their iPhone or iPad as a result be greeted with certain images being stretched, content looking jumbled and menu tabs not opening.
