The Future of Responsive Web Design

Instead of a long definition that may confuse you – open any well known site – preferably among the ones that rank in the top hundred on Alexa.Now, toggle with the zoom through the setting (or even while holding control and scrolling the middle mouse wheel). Ideally, the layout will adjust to the changing dimensions of the browser; fonts become smaller, text wraps differently, and images resize – all to ensure that your reading comfort does not change. In simple words, therefore, changing the resolution of the screen should adapt the content displayed as best as possible.Why is responsive web design changing?In 2013, the rules of how we consume data are being changed like never before. It is obvious that the number of devices that we use is part of this picture – websites are now optimized, or often entirely redesigned for viewing on the iPad, tablets and phablets. And even the multitude of browsers plays a significant role, as the languages and programming supported is critical. Beyond the fray of the mainstream Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and now Safari are a variety of lesser known, but important browsers that have their own needs.How our devices are changing web design?How our devices interact with our browsers influences how we see and experience the web. To add to this is a sheer galaxy of smartphones, feature phones, and low and high specification tablets that influence how data is displayed. For example, a budget tablet may not be able to display HD graphics properly. On the other hand, a watery image will kill the appeal of reading on a rich, widescreen 21 or 24 inch computer.A thriving website with a huge following can be accessed on over 2500 devices, and yet must aim to offer a consistent viewing experience. Unlike desktops and laptops (excluding the new touchscreen enabled laptops), we also navigate on our devices differently, as can be seen between reading news on a Blackberry Curve vs. an iPhone 4.The futureAs the device market booms to identify the needs for a variety of segments, it will become wiser to have a web design that suits thousands (yes, thousands!) of devices.  With devices supporting multitasking thrown into the mix, it will be possible to soon have multiple windows open on the same device. The futuristic, wearable Google Glass has already begun making waves in tech circles – it will necessitate a whole new way of showcasing online content.As stand-alone apps become formidable online entities, being compatible across devices and with various viewing preferences, it is abundantly clear that designers will have some interesting design challenges. In the present times, the brands need to have an aesthetically-appealing online presence, something which can only be made possible if design services from a pioneering responsive web design company like SDI are availed.