Responsive web design (RWD) is an approach that makes dynamic changes to the layout of an interface depending on the screen size. RWD makes use of hypothetical breakpoints to determine layouts. The width of the browser usually determines the breakpoints. One design of the interface is adopted above a breakpoint, while another is adopted below. As shown below, the design of the interfaces changes as the value of breakpoint changes.
Page elements shuffle as shown above. The menu represented in a horizontal line with all categories visible in desktop mode shrinks to a hamburger menu on a mobile phone screen. Proportion-based grids help to rearrange content.
While responsive design aims to display all elements of an interface regardless of the screen size, certain elements can be skipped that do not convey necessary information, such as background images, supplementary content, etc. This is known as secondary content.
RWD is better than creating separate web pages for separate devices as it is easier to maintain and make changes to a single codebase. Moreover, it allows adjustments on new devices of varying shapes instead of making a new webpage every time.
Simply cluttering all elements on the screen will not serve the purpose. It is essential to ensure that the interface is usable and that the user can comfortably shift between multiple interface designs. To ensure this, it is essential to:
Prioritize content – the more important content should be available on a mobile interface, as users can look around on a desktop interface to find what they need. Still, they will not be able to do that on a mobile interface.
Ensure that website performance does not get affected when the same codebase is applied on different devices.
Conduct usability testing to check if users understand and can use your multiple designs easily.
To ensure that RWD approach provides a good user experience, it is essential to focus on content and its organization.
Free Resources