x
RECEIVE BUSINESS TIMES FREE TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH, COURTESY OF ROYAL MAIL.
* indicates required

Putting clients first

YOUTUBE recently launched its redesigned website. With a strong emphasis on responsive design (where the website adapts depending on the device it is being viewed on), the new website looks a lot like its mobile counterpart.

This is becoming an increasing trend. You only have to look at the likes of Facebook and Twitter on desktop computers to see how heavily they borrow from their presence on smartphones and tablets.

But where is this leading? Is it a good thing? Are responsive websites overshadowing the once-prominent separate mobile websites?

YOUTUBE recently launched its redesigned website. With a strong emphasis on responsive design (where the website adapts depending on the device it is being viewed on), the new website looks a lot like its mobile counterpart.

This is becoming an increasing trend. You only have to look at the likes of Facebook and Twitter on desktop computers to see how heavily they borrow from their presence on smartphones and tablets.

But where is this leading? Is it a good thing? Are responsive websites overshadowing the once-prominent separate mobile websites? Are they overtaking desktop websites?

There’s no need to panic; we think responsive is where it’s at, because the user should be the focal point.

When it comes down to it, the user is the only thing that matters. Not our own tastes. Not current marketing trends and definitely not bandwagons. Responsive web design could definitely be described as a bandwagon, but it actually exists for a very good reason. Website visitors have the exact same needs and expectations when they visit a website, whether it be on their desktop computer or mobile phone. The latter shouldn’t result in a watered-down experience. Because of this, it is all-too-easy to turn to separate mobile websites.

Some websites have experimented with different presences in order to enhance the mobile experience. For example, they will categorise the use cases; there’ll be one for those operating a mouse, one for those using their fingers and perhaps one which collaborates with mobile operators in order to offer free access to the website in question. All in all, it gets very complicated and the user suffers. There is no such thing as a use case category anymore!

Responsive web design comes down to one thing; ease-of-use. The user doesn’t have to do anything; websites just work on any device they possess. Not having to think about what you’re doing ensures the browsing experience is uninhibited. Make your website responsive, and you’ll find engagement will increase significantly. Everyone’s a winner!

Contact in.house.media on 01604 790007 or visit www.ihm.co.ukto find out how they can help your business online.

Companies mentioned in this article

More news articles: