Is the process for responsive web solutions different than traditional development?

If you’ve spent any time researching web design, you’ve likely heard of responsive web solutions. When a website is responsive, it is adaptable and easily viewable across any number of devices, including smartphones, desktops, and tablets. And effective responsive design utilizes a DevOps process that is much different than a website that is being designed for a particular platform or user.

Let’s outline the method that we use to ensure our client’s sites are not only accessible across all devices, but user-friendly and aligned with strategic goals.

Primary differences with the responsive web design process

Before developers can begin to write the first line of code or designers can pick a color palette, it’s important to ensure that everyone involved understands the strategy and functionality of the intended site, and the entire design process. There are several ideals that are essential when developing a responsive web site:

Collaboration

Collaboration may be an overused buzz word in business circles these days, but it really is the key to a seamless responsive development project. Not only does there need to be significant collaboration between developers, designers, project managers, and other team members, but with the client as well. In addition to simply setting design and functionality goals, or approving creative, a client should consider and articulate the strategic purpose for the site – outlining the specific business goals that it will serve to accomplish.

Communication

It’s easier than ever to have seamless communication between team members and clients during a project with the host of ready to use Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tools. Platforms such as Slack, Skype, and Basecamp are great for both the informal communication and formal documentation that keeps a project moving in the right direction.

Prioritize with mobile in mind

Screen sizes continue to shrink, and so do our options when prioritizing web design. With smaller screens, there is only so much you can do with details like the length or position of a headline, or the size of an image.

It’s best to think about how web design will look on mobile devices first, since it’s easier to start small and scale up when by adding new elements that can be supported across larger devices.

Adapt to new technologies

A responsive web design company must constantly adapt to the latest technology to ensure their client’s projects will continue to behave properly, regardless of device. This requires focusing intently on UX design and cross-device compatibility to cater to the largest cross section of users possible.

Interested in learning more about the responsive web design process?

We hope this primer has introduced you to a few of the basics of effective responsive design. One quote that we think rings true is from Samantha Warren: “Your process should be as responsive as the products you are designing.”

This mantra is essential to our process of implementing responsive projects for our clients. We create solutions that integrate with every step of your business and the strategic goals that drive it. For more information about our services, reach out to us today through our online contact form.