Which End User Clients Have Led the Way in Responsive Web Design?
It
was in April 2015, Google launched a new ranking algorithm to a search engine
that will take mobile-friendliness quotient into account while displaying
results for users. From this point onwards, website rankings change using
Google from a smartphone or tablet. Mobile responsive design is a trend that
actually evolved in 2010.
Ethan
Marcotte coined the term ‘responsive web design’. Developers started thinking
about websites that look awesome on different screen sizes and terms like
fluid, and flexible started to pop up to describe ideas. Smartphones caught on
even as websites designed only for desktop became extinct. Seamless browsing
experience on smart devices became the top priority for website design and
development companies. Marcotte’s ideas paved the way for single URL sites that
recognise whether users were on phone, desktop or tablet and re-orientate the
page to display it in the best ways possible.
- Value of RWD Sites Grows
Around
2 years later, responsive web design was a leading trend in the web design and
development industry. It took just 2 years for companies to see the value and
necessity of enabling fast-growing smartphone-internet user base to access
sites easily. RWD saved money and time, as it was easier to design and
administer a site rather than trying different layouts for different browsers,
devices and screen sizes. A growing number of mobile internet users necessitated RWD designs. Users can,
therefore, find it easier to get high quality, relevant search results
optimised for devices.
Boston
Globe, Microsoft, CERN, Skinny Ties – the number of retail companies and
organisations that jumped onto the responsive design bandwagon grew in leaps
and bounds.
- Modern Sites For Great User Experience
Shutterfly
is an online service for creating personalised accessories. This modern brand
is associated with responsive website design. It was easier for users to find
information about offerings. Google Maps is another mobile website brand that
stands out. Its mobile website has the functionality and speed of the app.
Another mobile or RWD site user is Typeform. For mobile users, this form
development company realised that complex design components like animations and
videos impact load time. So, they presented a de-cluttered site for mobile
users. Large buttons on their menu page are perfect for tapping on a mobile
screen.
Ecommerce
website Etsy is another example of a mobile-first site. The mobile website
caters to buyers looking for specific items or just browsing around. Viral
content and popular quiz media firm Buzzfeed is another great RWD site.
BuzzFeed knows a lot of their visitors visit the site on mobile. Therefore, the focus is on creating a smooth experience for readers on the go. At the Buzzfeed mobile site,
popular pieces of content are displayed in collage type presentation using
images easy to access with the tap of a fingertip. There’s also a clickable
menu on the top left hand corner of the screen listing out post categories.
- App, Media and Tech Firms Join In
App
agency Evernote is another modern market leader that offers exceptional mobile
experience. The design is clean, value statements are to the point and short
and graphics add to brand positioning but do not clutter the page. Another
reputed media company that uses RWD site design is The Huffington Post. What
makes their mobile site unique is that they alter their headlines for mobile
users, so content is easy to scan. Zappos, SAP, Apple, Adidas – the list of
responsive web design sites is ever growing. The value of such sites in a
smartphone-driven world is undeniable.