Responsive Web Design a Few Years Later

Responsive Web design has come a long way since its first major series of implementations a few years back. How it affects us today is not much different. We're all still trying to adapt, no pun intended.

What we've noticed is that several Web design agencies (even some large ones) closed their doors, almost as though it were a direct result of these changes (which were first introduced in 2004 and made popular in 2010). Even Internet marketers had a difficult time getting used to the trend that has today become a staple and standard amongst Web authorities; Displaying text and image ads (and call-to-action buttons/forms) in your sidebar just hasn't been the same since.

Much debate continues to arise over the ideal mobile experience; One where responsive Web design is challenged by the integration of a separate mobile app or website for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. The solution for many is to enjoy the best of both worlds to a certain extent (through overlay technologies, etc).

But change isn't such a bad thing. Web design has evolved into something more dynamic, which allows us to grow as a whole. In many ways, responsivity opened up a whole new world. Today, the most beautiful, intuitive, and functional websites are responsive. The large majority of these seem to elevate the visitor experience. Text, images, and even advertisement banners (where available) resize to fit the size of your screen for awesome viewing pleasure. Even advanced forms and e-commerce platforms are completely responsive.

What for a while was considered a fad by some is now an established way of working within the Web... and this method for structuring content will probably be around for quite a while. Speaking of which, those who stuck around will surely reap the benefits of being part of a community during a time when something new rocked the Web (and dare we say, may have affected our collective subconscious).

This doesn't mean that it came without its flaws; The main one being that it does add multiple levels to the review process as a webmaster prepares his/her website for launch (and thereafter). It's not just about tailoring to the various devices in the market. There are Web browser issues that arise, and conflict with other Web coding technologies (not necessarily from a technological perspective). Flash for example became somewhat obsolete while responsive Web design took flight. HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript are king today, and tomorrow there will undoubtedly be a new king.

Individuals managing their own site (which, as most of us experienced marketers know, entails the inclusion of a blog and several other features [landing pages, membership areas, email newsletters, galleries, etc]) are having a heck of a time putting it all together in a way that works for all their users. But the advancements we've been forced to endure have helped us develop into full-out digital marketers, understanding how responsive Web design combines with media to create the ultimate, modern website. It's opened up new doors, with casual bloggers getting the attention of and being hired by some of the most innovative startups on the planet to fill executive positions.

If you're a content marketer who began their journey in the pre-responsive era, and are still struggling to make sense of this fairly recent shift... just know that you're doing more than fine. As mentioned previously, you are among a small group of pioneers who paved the way to a better place.