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. 

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