Click image to enlarge

Responsive design, in a nutshell, is coding in your website’s backend that will allow it to automatically adjust to the size of the browser the site is being viewed on.  WITHOUT having to flip flop from a mobile version, or desktop version.

According to the Wiki:

Responsive web design (RWD) is a web design approach aimed at crafting sites to provide an optimal viewing experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones)

Let me explain:

Previously, peeps had to build a 2nd “mobile version” of their website.  Usually, with a plugin.  But the plugin didn’t quite do the job.  So, many hired someone to actually BUILD a mobile version.  That is fine and well. (think Taco Bell, Mashable, Home Depot)

Responsive design works best with websites with plenty of content and light on graphics.  Like mine.  No one wants to see carrousel graphics on their iphone.  They just want information. Period.

Above is a snapshot of my website in different sized browsers.  The only major difference is the way the heading adjusts for the browser window.  Everything in the right column, floats below the homepage or content.  Visit TheWebCoach.net on your ipad, iphone or mobile to see what I mean.

All in all, I like the responsive design for MY website.  But for e-commerce, portals, and such – these sites require a hearty mobile option.  That, in a nutshell, is what Responsive Web Design is.

Questions? Lets chat. Schedule  15 minutes here.