In 2010, an article was published online by Ethan Marcotte that for the first time gave a name to an approach designed to ensure that users can view websites on various platforms. The term “Responsive Web Design” was born, and web designers strived for an optimal user experience for diverse platforms, ranging from desktops to smartphones, for example.
“…but it also requires a different way of thinking.”
Ethan Marcotte
Ethan Marcotte noticed that more and more companies were working on creating so-called “mobile websites,” a website specifically made for a smartphone. However, due to developments in smartphones – and particularly the difference between screens and resolutions – it is not possible to create a mobile website.
In 2015, there will be over 4.77 billion smartphone users; this is about 65% of the world's population that has access to a smartphone and can use the internet. It is therefore important to ensure that a website can provide a good user experience on every smartphone.
When designing a website, it is therefore important that the web designer takes into account various elements within the website so that it works optimally on a desktop, but also on a smartphone.
Mobile First
With this approach, the starting point is the smallest screen (smartphone), and a design suitable for other platforms is considered afterwards. A frequently cited advantage of mobile first is that starting small allows for a focus on essential content, which is therefore always displayed correctly.
Ahead of time
Although web designers are currently fully occupied with ensuring optimal user experiences, they will also gradually need to start looking ahead to the arrival of smartwatches. This rise will become more significant in the future and will substantially change the perspective on responsive web design.