Treat Digital Blog

A Responsive Web

by Afis Ajibike | 15.05.2012

Web Development /

Design /

Major changes in web software and connectivity have put us on the cusp of an evolutionary shift in how websites are viewed. A web that responds to changes is not a new concept but is completely fitting for our day and age where we view websites through a myriad of devices. Conventions are breaking and a fixed width site is no longer appropriate for those that view the web on say, tablets or a mobile phone.

That is where responsiveness comes in. Responsive web design involves building a fluid website that fits on all screen sizes. On detecting a resize in the browser, the site's content will shift, change and morph to fit the screen so the user can sit comfortably and enjoy the site, without having to zoom in to view content.

For a responsive design to work we need to design content to flow in different widths. This means a solid design for the site being viewed in a 1200px (or more) browser as well as a 320px browser and all in between.

From a developer's point of view, responsiveness offers an exciting way to build a website. Through one stylesheet we can create a site to be viewed by all. Every width and design break point is maintained through this one stylesheet. This has not always been the way. Prior to responsiveness, in building mobile sites, one small tweak on the site (i.e. something as simple as background colour) would involve changing every stylesheet for each and every device. That is no longer the case with a responsive web; now it is one stylesheet, all devices, and varying designs for every width! It means a much more flexible way of working, not just for developers but for everyone involved.

Finally, I'll let you in on a top secret. The web is naturally responsive. It is actually through years of print convention and also the lack of technology that the web became fixed width. Fortunately, due to current technological advances it has allowed responsive design to evolve. This technology has enabled us, amongst many things, to set maximum and minimum widths to cater for varying screen sizes with different designs. We now have the capability and flexibility to shape the web to become a far better experience for users. It is now finally branching off as a medium in its own right, thereby setting its own conventions and rules. At the cusp of this evolutionary change, hold your hats and keyboards as we are all in for quite a ride!

Get in touch at hello@treatdigital.com or 020 7256 7651 to talk to us about making your site responsive.