Responsive Web Design (RWD) and E-commerce
What is responsive web design (RWD)
Responsive web design or RWD as its commonly referred to in the digital media industry is a relatively new method of engineering website code and layouts that will adapt to the users device and browser capabilities mainly adjusting the layout when a certain screen resolution is detected. The website will automatically resize images, text and on page elements as well as rearrange their on page locations to fit neatly within the operating browser. Also, some elements are also replaced depending upon the browser. For example, a standard navigation bar that stretches across the top of the website may be replaced with a simple dropdown menu when the site is accessed on a mobile phone. Using these methods of adaptive web design ensures that all users on all devices from desktops, laptops, tablets too smartphones, get an attractive and user friendly experience.
The need to change
It is predicted that by the year 2015 over 1 billion users will use only their mobile phones or smart phones to access the web and shop online, therefore we feel it is important to act now ready for these changes. By not using adaptive E-commerce solutions we are without doubt lowering our sale to conversion rate.
Today we see companies websites accumulate into a headache of URL's to try and offer a friendly viewing experience across a range of devices which results in multiple domains or subdomains that run an individual version of the website just to suit that one device. Here are a few examples of what you may have seen.
- www.exampledomain.com
Built to target and serve users accessing the website using a desktop or laptop device. - m.exampledomain.com
Built to target and serve users accessing the website using a mobile or smartphone. - tablet.exampledomain.com
Built to target and serve users accessing the website using tablets such as Apple iPad or Android. - tabletlandscape.exampledomain.com
Built to target and serve users accessing the website using tablets such as Apple iPad or Android viewing with a landscape orientation browser. - retina.exampledomain.com
Built to target and serve users accessing the website using tablets such as Apple iPad with retina display capabilities.
As technology changes, and it does fast, so does the list and the need for alternative domains and subdomains to ensure your website content displays appropriately in all devices and browsers.
The Solution
The solution is for us to work with the resources that are consistent across all of the devices that are available now, and that will be available in the future. The key element here is the browser. All of these devices have a web browser that conforms to web standards and with this in mind, all we need is one URL. By implementing responsive web design methods and techniques (RWD) into our websites, we only need one URL. And the advantages don't just stop there, not only is all our content been driven from one source and URL, we are also eliminating the problem of needing a standalone app built for the website which typically comes with its own set of headaches, this being one app typically does not suit all devices, most commonly you will the the iPhone app, the Android App and then the Blackberry App. We quite often here things like, why is this available on my friends phone but not mine. With Dual Medias' responsive web solutions, this really is problem solved!
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