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Category: UX

There are 2 posts published under UX.

Responsive web designs allow websites to stretch across multiple platforms: computers, smartphones, and the increasingly common tablet.

 

With a responsive design, websites will look great no matter the size of screen it’s shown on. As the screen (or window) size gets smaller, the elements on the page miniaturize, some elements disappear, and the site becomes streamlined. Here are some of the main features of responsive web designs.

 

Website Looks Beautiful No Matter the Device

Image via Flickr by Antoine Lefeuvre

 

By having your website created to be responsive, you know that it will work and function well for mobile devices of all sizes and shapes. In 2014, according to Canalys, 285 million tablets will be sold, making up 50 percent of the total number of PCs sold. With so many computer-buyers choosing tablets over desktop and laptop computers, knowing how to create and design responsive websites is crucial to keeping up with web design trends.

 

Updates Are Easier

 

With a responsive website, you don’t need a different version of the site for each size of screen or device. Edits suddenly become easier because when you change text, colors or images, you won’t have to make changes in multiple locations. The site is the same no matter what device it’s viewed on and there is no need for multiple versions of the site.

 

Design Focuses on Elements

 

Rather than showing a static web page and how it will look on the screen, designers can focus more on the elements of the website. As the website moves from desktop and laptop to tablet and smartphone, these elements will shift to fit the new screen size. To demonstrate how these elements will shift, designers can then label them (such as A, B, C, and D) and create basic wireframes that show where the elements will shift to—not only from desktop to mobile device by from vertical screens to horizontal screens.

 

Getting Information Across to a Wide Audience

 

According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), mobile web best practices state that “as far as is reasonable, the same information and services available to users irrespective of the device they are using. However, it does not mean that exactly the same information is available in exactly the same representation across all devices.” So whether they’re using  T-Mobile wireless phones, Android tablets or desktop computers, users should have a positive experience with websites you design.

 

No Wrong Links or Need for Redirects

 

Let’s say that Sally is trying to learn more about how to get her son to eat more green vegetables and so is researching what cruciferous vegetables are and why they’re considered “super foods.” Sally starts reading an article on her laptop and then needs to ride the train to work and so decides to pull up that article on her phone. Finally, once she’s at work, she wants to read more on her lunch break on her tablet.

 

According to Google, this is often done by saving the link to the site in some form. Some users email themselves the link while others will use Chrome, which allows synchronization from one device to the next, including browsing history and bookmarks. For responsive websites, this isn’t a problem, but for sites that are designed using different URLs depending on the device, this can cause issues for users and they may have issues bringing the page up.

 

Designing Websites for the Future

 

What does the future hold for websites? It’s hard to say. Smart TVs are becoming more and more popular, and without responsive websites, web designers may find the need to design websites specifically for these devices as well. Suddenly, there are four versions of the website—or is it six, seven or more? And what devices are in store for the future? By having a website that is adaptive, no matter the size of screen, it won’t matter what devices arrive on the scene in the coming years. Websites you design will be ready!

 

Embrace the future of web design. Learn the techniques of designing responsive websites and wow your clients with a streamlined design across devices.

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Entrepreneurship Advice From the Coolest Entrepreneurs

What’s one piece of advice you have for entrepreneurs who are building enterprise software right now? What do you wish they would consider (or what principles do you use) to make that software great?

The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched StartupCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.

 

1. Remember That Less Is More

 

Too often when people hear enterprise software, two words come to mind: complicated and expensive. I would advise those building enterprise software to keep in mind that less is more. Stay focused on what enterprise problem or need you are trying to solve, and don’t get distracted adding extra features. Doing this will keep your costs down, allowing you to charge less.

 

Phil Chen ( https://twitter.com/nethacker ), Givit (https://www.givit.com )

 

phil-chen

 

2. Focus on User Experience 

 

The days of cumbersome enterprise software are ending rapidly. An easy, intuitive user experience is important to promote adoption and create long-lasting customer relationships.

 

Martina Welke ( https://twitter.com/MartinaWelke ), Zealyst ( http://zealyst.com )

 

martina wlke

 

3. Pay Attention to How They Really Use Your Software

 

When you first go to market, your vision is likely different than your end product, and your users will show you the way. They will use it in unexpected ways and highlight obscure and valuable problems and challenges. Be a perpetual student and watch them meticulously. Explore every unexpected success.

 

Trevor Sumner ( http://twitter.com/trevorsumner ), LocalVox ( http://localvox.com/ )

 

trevor sumner

 

4. Get It Done, Then Perfect It

 

Many entrepreneurs focus on making their software perfect. The problem is, as entrepreneurs, we often don’t know what perfect is. The key to success is getting your software into the “wild” quickly, so customers can give you feedback. Get it done and out the door, and then iterate as you learn.

 

Bhavin Parikh ( https://twitter.com/bkparikh ), Magoosh Inc ( http://magoosh.com )

 

bhavin

 

5. Don’t Forget the Details

 

Enterprise clients care about the small details, especially if the software will be representing their brand. Logo size, customization, proper branding — everything is important to consider for an established brand that has a specific formula for its overall branding.

 

Russ Oja, Seattle Windows and Construction, LLC ( http://www.windowseattle.com )

 

russ oja

 

6. Pay Attention to How They Buy

 

Enterprises buy software in a very different way than small businesses and consumers. Understanding the buying process is key to the success you’ll have as an enterprise software company.

 

Wade Foster ( www.twitter.com/wadefoster ), Zapier ( http://www.zapier.com/ )

 

wade

 

7. Have a Revenue Model From Day One

 

An enterprise expects to pay for products and services. If it’s free, then that’s how they’ll value it. To build a successful B2B enterprise product today, you should launch with a paid plan and make it a significant cost (more than $100/month). Make it easy to cancel, and don’t require payment upfront. Your customers will respect you more for it.

 

Ryan Buckley ( https://twitter.com/rbucks ), Scripted, Inc. ( http://scripted.com/ )

 

ryan

 

8. Build for Yourself

 

A great piece of software has to greatly solve a problem. Live the problem. Eat it, take it to bed and dream about it. That’s where great software comes from — solving the problems people didn’t even know existed.

 

Brendon Schenecker ( https://twitter.com/bschenecker ), Travel Vegas ( http://www.travelvegas.com )

 

brendon

 

9. Fix Pain Points Quickly

 

Many enterprise startups wait too long between rolling out improved versions of software. Rather than waiting until every new feature has been built into your next version, push up features that eliminate pain points enterprise clients might be experiencing. Eliminating system shortcomings and user frustration can be as important as deploying new features to keep customers.

 

Chuck Cohn ( http://twitter.com/chuckcohn ), Varsity Tutors ( http://www.varsitytutors.com)

 

Chuck Cohn

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