If you have worked with Digital Interfaces, you probably have already heard the term “responsive” in the last few years. Some time ago, it was a buzzword, always present in the “experts” mouths when 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. Still, 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? Is the user 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. You can try making other content instead of hiding/showing content in different screen sizes. 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 wastes precious time getting something on your website, so he deserves a little respect. Instead of annoying him with pop-up offers and promotions, give him the free will to decide what to do on the site.
You must consider that the space 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 easy as possible and provide access to your site’s main tasks. 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? Consider omitting the complex options if you can not create a user-friendly experience. Why keep the option “Download the manual in PDF”?
Now, come back to your site watch it again with your new perspective, and let me know if your point of view has changed.