Windows 10 and the importance of responsive websites
2015 is the year when Windows 10 (Microsoft having chosen to ignore the number nine for reasons unknown to any sane individuals) will be released to the public and whilst it’s not out quite yet, Microsoft have been showing off early versions of it. Asides from various leaks about possible features, one thing that is very noticeable is the way that Windows 10 will now work across different devices.
Microsoft has been trying to do this since its release of Windows 8 (and actually started achieving it a bit more with Windows 8.1) - the idea really seems to be familiarity throughout with small changes depending on the device you’re using at the time, but essentially the same software. Windows 10 looks to be able to achieve this aim more effectively than ever before, with a growing number of multimode devices (switching between laptop and tablet functionalities) like the Lenovo Yoga series and Microsoft’s own Surface Pro 3 coming onto the market.
This undoubtedly seems to be the way the world is going with individuals and organisations alike taking advantage of more powerful, cheaper portable devices with better internet connections in places it would never before have been possible to work online. What Windows 10 will do is cater to that trend through something generally referred to as responsiveness - but whilst it might be a leap forwards for operating systems, it’s not the first time responsiveness has been used.
Responsiveness on the Web
In fact, more and more businesses are taking advantage of the benefits of responsive website design which, in a time where mobile usage is rocketing across the Web, are almost too good to miss out on. In the same way that Windows 10 will adapt when you change devices, but fundamentally remain very familiar with similar functionality, responsive websites allow one page to look different on the multitude of devices they could be viewed on, adapting to provide the best experience to the user on the device they are currently using. And why is this important? Well, quite simply, user experience. Browsing a very intensive website and having to zoom and scroll around a lot when using a mobile touch screen is not an attractive prospect for browsers with ever-decreasing attention spans. The result will normally be their losing interest in your website, and that leads to a loss of business. Especially for eCommerce websites which rely so much on web-based trade, not having a responsive eCommerce website can lead to a huge loss of business - and nobody wants that!
Mobile Websites
Another option is the creation of a specific “mobile site” to which mobile/tablet users are redirected when accessing the site. Mobile websites designed and built by us are still one website - with one admin area. You don't have 2 separate websites - one desktop and one mobile site. However there are developers (not us we hasten to add) who insist you would need a second, mobile-only website or subdomain with 2 admin areas, which is a waste of your time and money so be aware of this. The benefit of having a mobile website over a responsive website is that users can opt to 'return to desktop site' if they wish. With aprompt mobile websites any content you update will update both versions, so you only need one admin area. Cost effective and time efficient - we like that and hope you do too...
How to go responsive
If you don’t have a responsive CMS website or responsive eCommerce site for your business (or even if you do and you might like a bit more control over your site with our hugely flexible Content Management System (CMS) software and friendly website support), it’s important to us at aprompt that you don’t lose out because of it. Getting a responsive website that looks great on all devices should increase online sales and it just so happens that we take pride in making them just as you like. For more information on getting a responsive website design for your business with no obligation, you can chat to us any time on 0845 224 5806 or email our website designers in Wiltshire
Written By Kirsty Paget
