Responsive Websites: What Are They and Why Do I Want One?

As a web design company in Australia, Newpath WEB is often asked, ‘what is a responsive website?’ We recognize that this is a huge question, with a number of highly complex elements that need to be discussed.

What is a Responsive Website?

First and foremost, responsive design is not mobile-friendly design. A mobile-friendly website is typically just a website that looks good on mobile, but isn’t specifically design for the platform, meaning there can often be bugs or graphical errors involved.

Comparatively, responsive design is a website that actively adapts to the device or platform that it is being used on, giving you a mobile-friendly design that far surpasses the results of mobile-friendly websites. Essentially, responsive design is mobile-friendly but mobile-friendly design isn’t responsive.

The Specifics of a Responsive Website

Typical websites are built with page elements sized by a number of pixels, meaning that for a non-mobile friendly site, the pixels end up smooshing together and generally creating chaos on the smaller screen. Responsive websites are built with each element sized by proportion, meaning that a certain element might always take up 50% of the page, while others take up small amounts, all equaling 100% of the displayed page.

This proportionality also impacts the content, both copy and images, that are featured on the website, which makes it a far more user-friendly experience. Ultimately, this gives you a unified vision of your website across all possible platforms.

The Benefits of a Responsive Website

We recognize that Google now provides boosts to websites that are deemed to be user-friendly. A responsive website is the best possible way to be user friendly (at least from a design perspective). By implementing this type of website, you can maximize your search engine results and ultimately your viewership.

Additionally, running a responsive website means that there is only ever one version of a website, which means only one set of costs associated with it if something breaks. It does cost more to implement initially but in the long-term it is a far better situation to be in.

Finally, ignoring the implications of search engine optimisation and cost, it is simply a far better experience for your customers. More people than ever before are browsing on their mobiles for information, and expect to see just as much information as is present on a desktop. Responsive design gives you the ability to have one website for your users to browse across all types of display setups.

Dedicated Web Designers Can Assist with Responsive Websites

Newpath WEB has ateam of highly skilled designers is well-experienced in creating and developing responsive websites. As a web design company in Australia, we have more clients than ever before looking to build this highly-advantageous style of website. For more information, visit our website http://www.newpathweb.com.au.