Adaptive vs Responsive Web Design

With most technology going wireless and mobile, t​hose in web development face the issue of making their sites compatible with a growing number of devices. From phones, computers, televisions and even kitchen appliances, technology is rolling in the direction of easier access to the web. 

The challenge for these developers is how to continually make their websites work with each and every device out on the market. Developers are able to shift with the wireless movement by creating adaptive and responsive web designs.

Adaptive Web Design

Adaptive web design, which was created by Aaron Gustafson, is a method that puts the focus on the user and not the browser. This method of design uses a layout that has already been defined to fit the device screen as well as CSS and Javascript to detect the device.

Responsive Web Design

Developed by Ethan Marcotte, responsive web design uses flexible videos, images, grids and other media to adapt its layout to the device. This method allows for a website to “fluidly change and respond” to a device or screen.

How Do They Compare?

While both methods of design allow for viewers to better access a site on their device, one may be more time consuming to create for wed designers. Responsive web design make take more coding and and strategizing, whereas Adaptive web design already has a layout set that a developer would just need to implement into the site.

Leah Ferguson writes for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. She writes for many other clients as well.