Buzzwords related to website design are doing the rounds and “responsive web design,” is one of the newest words hitting the block. It is referenced as “RWD.” The phrase was named such by Ethan Marcotte and mentioned in the book. There are basic aspects of responsive design which have been hinted at, since its advent. Some of the most important elements of RWD are:
- Flexible and scalable foundation
- Fluid grids with flexible rendering
- Flexible and re-scalable images
- Responsive to the environment
- Includes media query implementation
Introduction to RWD
RWD is making great inroads in the website development scenario and hence all technologies are converging well to be compatible with multiple environments and platforms. This aspect is required for a single website to render perfectly across all devices. A responsive website design includes CSS5 and media queries, fluid grids with particular percentages, scalable images, videos and multimedia, and flexible type, which is inherent in the layout of a responsive design website. The site then adjusts itself to render perfectly on the viewing device, and adheres itself with user agents, and the environment.
The Heart of Responsive Website Design
At the heart of responsive design, there is a unique feature in CSS3 which is termed as media queries. Media queries allow web developers for attaching a style-sheet to pages based on screen size. With website design, of this nature, CSS3 helps in handling multiple touchpoints and diverse screen sizes utilizing web templates by making use of the touchpoints.
To have a single site for all types of web experiences is a good thing. With a single primary code base, IT developers should create a single site making use of infrastructure to support the site. The codebase helps in handling renditions of the site in desktops, tablets, and mobiles simultaneously and perfectly. Simplification of site management configurations is essential for homegrown solutions and likely to reduce the overall cost involved.
With responsive website design, one can cut down on maintenance risks which are more in mobile website design. Also, the cost involved in each release increases which are a huge burden on the pace of innovation too. The actual device testing is one of the most costly parts of the process. Also, the codebase remains identical with not many changes lowering the risk.