In almost every presentation, I talk about "Once Size Fits Most, doesn't fit anyone!' Finally, here is an example where that law does not apply. Responsive Web Design is a strategy that allows you to create a single web design and have it appear differently on all devices. MakeTechnologyWork.com uses this concept. The core element that accomplishes this feat is Media Queries. When you click a link to visit a website, the server asks (queries) "How should we display this site?" Once the server knows which device you are using, it customizes the display to match your screen. Responsive design allows you to create a single site and have it look good everywhere. The folks at Practical eCommerce have put together a great learning resource that explains why it's important and what you need to do to get started. Both this site and my email marketing platform use responsive design. No matter which statistics you study, web browsing by mobile device is going up, while desktop usage is declining.

MakeTechnologyWork.com Platform

Here at MTW, we have fully embraced responsive design to deliver on our Mantra, Connecting With People!

• Website - WordPress foundation with a Themeforest.net responsive theme. These two simple pieces are all you need to create an elegant, responsive site.
• Email Marketing - MailChimp foundation with responsive templates. It is a simply stunning application of  the concept of meeting people where they are. Open an email, flip your device sideways and the display adjusts Auto-Magically.

Is Responsive Design for You?

One of my first questions to a client is, "Where does your audience come from?" If it's all from corporate offices, maybe you can hold off on a move to a responsive design. My work and research tells me that it's time to move to responsive design for any organization that counts mobile users in their audience.

Insight

It's crucial to meet your audience where they are. Increasingly, it's on a mobile device. Responsive design allows you to write once, connect to all.

Resources

• Optimizing Ecommerce for Tablets and Smartphones from PracticalEcommerce.com
• Getting Started with Responsive Web Design by Gagan Mehra
• ThemeForest.net - The best source for WordPress Responsive Themes
• MailChimp - The incredibly sophisticated and easy-to-use Email Marketing platform