Benefits of having a responsive school website
Responsive design is one of the most important elements driving every website especially now, but what is it and why should schools care about it?
In the past people accessed the internet in one of two ways; a desktop computer with a monitor or through a laptop meaning both viewing experiences were very similar. This meant websites could be designed and set with features that would adapt to most viewing experiences with no need to change for a range of different screen sizes and device types.
Web browsing on mobile devices is expanding at an astounding rate, yet these devices frequently have limited display space and necessitate a different approach to information organisation. Screen sizes are always changing so it is essential that your site can familiarise to any screen size, today or in the future. Furthermore, devices have different features with which we interact with them. For example, some of your visitors will be using a touchscreen. Modern responsive design considers all of these things to optimize the experience for everyone.
School website users such as teachers, students and parents are more likely to use a mobile screen especially if on the move, meaning they need to be able to find specific information quickly such as events or term dates which are to be put in prominent places such as 'notice boards.' Both handheld devices and larger screens such as monitors require the same homepage, on the same site, using the same web address, but the layout shifts to suit the size of the screen.
A responsive design ensures a single website adjust to any screen size. It prevents the need to build and maintain two different versions of your site and is as simple to use on mobile devices as it is on tablet and desktop. Schools with different users require websites that are more 'user-friendly' because they are easier for visitors to interact with, share, and link to. It gives parents the most accessible gateway to your school reducing any irritation possible and giving students better experiences as it makes it easier to find knowledge and information for even younger visitors.
