The term responsive web design (or RWD for short) is considered to have been formulated and defined for the first time by Ethan Marcotte on 25 May 2010, in his homonymous article on A List Apart. It was the time when it became clear that smartphones and other mobile devices that offer access to the internet, came to stay. Since then, website design and development have changed radically.

responsive web design: various devices with different screen sizes and screen resolutions

What is responsive web design;

Responsive web design is an approach to web design that makes the same website look good and function properly on different devices, with different sizes of windows and screens, screen resolutions or even screen orientations (desktop, laptop, tablets, smartphones, etc.). Its content adapts to each occasion.

How much does responsive web design concern us?

Nowadays, more than 50% of internet visits are via mobile phones or tablets, for any use, even for purchases or payments. In fact, the trend is steadily increasing. A website that looks good and functions well in all devices, is a necessity.

Responsive web design and SEO – Are they connected?

Google has never acknowledged that a responsive website ranks higher in search results. Since April 2015, however, Google has updated its algorithm to exclude all non-responsive websites from mobile search results. This update of its algorithm is also known as “Mobilegeddon”. From September 2020, ALL websites are expected to be judged by google according to how they appear on mobile devices, rather than on desktop computers (mobile-first index). Read more about SEO here.

What is the cost of responsive web design?

The cost and time for building a responsive website is much lower than if we were building different websites for each device and screen. Now responsive web design is considered a standard tactic, and is included in the final price of a website.

How easily can content updates be made on a RWD website?

Content changes and additions have been predicted by those who designed and built the website. Content updating is just as easy as a non-responsive website. It is made from one point, for all possible devices.

Can a responsive site work as an app?

With responsive web design, a website can also function as a web application (web app), as it will provide full functionality on all devices, thus eliminating a possible need for a mobile app. This means a big profit in the cost of construction and maintenance.

Technically, how is RWD achieved?

By combining three basic techniques. Design with fluid grids, based on proportions and percentages, instead of fixed grids based on absolute sizes such as pixels. Graphics (photos, videos, etc.) that can be adjusted to the size of the item that contains them. And finally, CSS media queries that allow the website to use different CSS styles based on the features of the device on which the website is displayed.

Is it possible for an existing website to be transformed in a responsive one?

If the website is built on a platform (such as wordpress, drupal, joomla, etc.), then yes. The theme used must be changed into a responsive one. But it’s almost like rebuilding from scratch. Special care is also needed, especially if the site is successful, so as not to damage its search engine status (SEO).