If you work with Digital Interfaces, in the last few years probably you already heard the term “responsive”. Some time ago it was a buzzword, always present in the “experts” mouths when they were trying to look like an up-to-date professional in the digital world. In fact, I would like to talk a little more about what responsive is, and how this is not just a way to draw a couple of variations of size of the same projects.

By definition, the term responsive is only about how to adapt the content to the screen size variations but you will see that thinking mobile is more than changing your inline menu for a hamburger icon in the upper right corner.

1. Think about the context in which your website will be used

This is the first thought you have to have. What is the context of use for your website? The user is at home, looking for a 50″ Desktop screen, or in a subway station waiting for a 3G signal in his old smartphone? Think about it.

2. Responsive text

Many designers often add more content when they create a Desktop version from a Mobile one. Instead of hiding/showing content in different screen sizes, you can try creating different content. Something like a single paragraph in the mobile version and another paragraph with a little more information in the larger versions.

3. Freedom is the key

The user is wasting his precious time getting something on your website, so, he deserves a little respect, right? Instead of annoying him with pop-up offers e promotions, give him the free will to decide what to do on the site.
You have to consider that the space available on a smartphone screen is much smaller, so, maybe starting the journey with a DO NOT MISS IT NOW THIS GREAT CHANCE pop-up, may not be the best option.
The goal here is to make it as easier as possible and provide access to the main tasks that your site offers. Just be careful and choose those options wisely. Giving too many options can be confusing and make the user’s journey harder. An empathy exercise will help you to understand which options should be prioritized.

4. Beware of excesses

Have you ever noticed how boring the application form on your “Work with us” page is? Have you ever wondered how hard it can be to fill all those 24 fields from a mobile phone screen? If you can not create a user-friendly experience, consider omitting the complex options. Why keep the option “Download the manual in PDF”?

Now come back to your site and watch it again with your new perspective and let me know if your point of view has changed.