Site layout: Adaptive v. Response

Which site design to choose, what is the difference and what is better. Most often we look at the site on different devices and do not think whether it is adaptive or not, it's rubbery or static. The main thing is that it was convenient and everything was fullfreddy and full of usability. But, when the topic of website development becomes urgent, many questions arise. And it's good when you can tell the professionals in the field of creating sites, but still it would be nice and to figure out what's what for.

Adaptive and rubber design is a big difference

Most often we look at the site on different devices and do not think whether it is adaptive or not, it's rubbery or static. The main thing is that it was convenient and everything was fullfreddy and full of usability. But, when the topic of website development becomes urgent, many questions arise. And it's good when you can tell the professionals in the field of creating sites, but still it would be nice and to figure out what's what for.

So, let's start with what types of layouts are. As already mentioned, this division is based on the principle of mapping, ie:

• Rubber layout & Responsive;
• Adaptive;
• Adaptive + responsive.

Do they have something in common?

Yes. Each type of layout is done to improve the experience of user interaction with the site. Make it convenient and simple. Intuitively clear and, of course, conversion :)

Ask, what is the difference? Let's start in order.

Responsive sites and adaptive sites are the same in that they both change appearance depending on the browser settings on which they are viewed (most often the parameter being changed is the width of the browser). Responsive websites react to the size of the browser at any given point. No matter what the width of the browser can be, its layout changes (and, possibly, its functionality). Those. all parameters are optimized for the screen. Browser width is 300px or 30000px? It does not matter, because the layout will respond accordingly. Well, at least it should. If done correctly!

Adaptive site is adapted * sorry for the tautology * already under certain screen resolutions. This requires additional time spent on design and programming. It's design under a certain screen resolution. All the complexity is that different options are given for different options for layout, including mobile and tablets.

What are the types of adaptive layout? In fact, there are just as many as types of extensions, because for each type of extension you need your own version of layout, including for mobile devices. This adapts the entire content of the page. Usually, a certain number of extensions are used for the most popular gadgets. And as a result, all elements of the page will be neatly located on your device.

Responsive site is better than adaptive?

We will not answer this question. This is a different approach. Different philosophy.

But there is good news. The choice can be easier if there is confidence that your audience uses certain devices that your website should support. You can decide that Mac monitors are the only device that you should pay attention to.

And to avoid the drawbacks of one or another type of layout, it is best to use their symbiosis. Then, and on popular formats, everything will look as it should, and on non-standard devices with usability everything is OK!