Some websites look good when you are browsing them from your PC. The images look well put together, the layout snugly fits the screen, and navigation is seamless. However, that may not always be the case while using your phone or tablet. You will notice a constant need to zoom in and out, images get distorted, some content is out of place, and the navigation buttons are too small for your thumb to click accurately.
This nuisance is when a responsive web design becomes valuable. But what exactly is responsiveness? Responsiveness is a website design trait that allows users to have an excellent viewing and browsing experience regardless of their device. Simply put, your website should fit the screen’s resolution perfectly whether your viewers are using their PC, smartphones, tablets, or other devices.
While a better user experience is the main focus of a website’s responsive design, it also has a lot of other benefits. It will increase the tendency for your viewers to stay on your website more, leading to a reduced bounce rate. Responsiveness is also proven to increase traffic and improve SEO. Google tends to rank responsiveness higher, which can lead to more visitors to your website. Lastly, a responsive design will cover more audiences because it is readily accessible on any device.
The benefits above look promising for brands who make their website compatible with PC, tablets, and mobile devices. That is why it is advantageous for your business to have a responsive web design. Read more about some responsive web design techniques to help you get started.
Get Rid of Resistance
Enhanced user experience is the priority of a responsive website design. To achieve this goal, consider eliminating resistance that visitors might potentially encounter when browsing your website. Consider what the viewer wants to achieve from your website and make reaching their end result easier.
Website visitors might want to buy a product from your website, sign up for your newsletter, navigate your products, etc. Anticipate these customer goals and get rid of friction that may slow them down.
An excellent example is designing a one-page checkout for mobile users who want to buy a product from your website. Make it easy for them to purchase just a few thumb presses. People on mobile devices are usually on the go and would want something instant.
Clicks, Taps, Swipes
When designing a website, you should consider how your website looks and how visitors navigate through it. Viewers using desktop computers interact with your homepage using clicks, while those with mobile devices rely on taps and swipes.
PC users expect the navigation bar at the top of the browser. However, mobile users usually find the navigation at the center or bottom of their devices. Additionally, it is uncomfortable for the thumb to reach the phone screen’s top or sides.
To remedy this smartphone inconvenience, move some interactive elements to the center or bottom. Navigation bars, essential links, and call-to-action buttons should also be large enough to get noticed or tapped. You may also use swipes to give your visitors more navigation options.
Maximize Each Device
PC and handheld devices have their unique advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, people either use both or prefer one over the other.
Mobile phones and tablets have functionalities built into the device, which are not readily available for PC. Code scanning and camera are more accessible on smartphones. Website functionalities that make use of these elements are easier on the phone. Payment and other security confirmations are smoother because two-step authentication is just a click away. You can use voice search when you are on the go or when your hands are not free.
These are just a few of the many functionalities of mobile devices. Most desktop computers do not have these features or require an extra step. However, PCs do have advantages over mobile devices. They can run more powerful applications, don’t rely on batteries for power, and uses a mouse with a keyboard offering more input capabilities. Take these into consideration when designing your website.
Flexible and Fluid Layouts
Different devices come in all shapes and sizes, meaning each smartphone model’s browser size also differs. When designing a webpage, take this into account and use percentages instead of a static setting. That way, the layout looks well-placed no matter what screen length or width it is viewed from.
The content and images will automatically adjust to the current layout using flexible settings. Having a responsive web design will fix layout issues such as empty spaces, awkwardly cropped images, or floating texts. You or your web designer can use settings that limit how big or small the elements are.
Speaking of images, make use of Scalable Vector Graphics or SVG. These images can scale up or down without sacrificing pixel quality. Other image formats such as JPEG, GIF, or PNG are pixel reliant and are usually better when viewed at specific resolutions. SVG, on the other hand, does not rely on this and will retain quality regardless of the browser size of the device.
Focused and Hidden
When designing websites for mobile devices, it is sometimes better to keep content scarce so that the user can focus on the important elements of the website. You can hide content on mobile using CSS queries by setting the visibility to hidden. Learn which elements you need to prioritize, preferably those that offer value to the viewer, and bring them to the fore.
Web designers can use the show/hide feature for any content elements you may have, even the navigation bar and buttons. Since the mobile screen is smaller, you have less space to work with. Show the important options first, then reveal the other choices using a “more” or a “+” link. Make sure not to cramp them, so the user will not be overwhelmed by the elements. On top of that, this will prevent customers from clicking the wrong button.
Conclusion
A responsive web design can help you achieve a desirable user experience across all devices. What device they use to visit your website matters little; what matters more is the value they get from your business – which is both a win for you and them.