Things change quickly in the world of web design. Responsive web design, once considered the most effective method for creating websites compatible with all devices, is rapidly losing ground to a new alternative: fluid style. The huge number of devices with screens of different sizes, pixels, and aspect ratios is the fundamental cause of this change, not just a matter of taste or fashion. Everyone, whether they run a business, enjoy the web, or are simply interested in what's next in the digital world, needs to understand this trend.
Even though responsive web design is a huge step forward, it was made for an easier time.
When Ethan Marcotte first came up with the idea in 2010, most people used desktop computers, tablets, and a few types of smartphones to access the web.
Today, the variety of gadgets has significantly increased. We now have folding phones, wide-screen computers, wearable technology, and even tools with built-in screens.
The problem with flexible design lies in its reliance on breakpoints, which are specific screen sizes
at which the style shifts. This method struggles to keep pace with the unpredictable nature of modern gadgets. Now, we have a flexible style that eliminates the need for strict breakpoints. Instead, it allows each section of the page to adjust in size according to the user's device, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.
With a fluid layout, you don't use set pixels for sizes; instead, you use relative numbers like percentages, ems, or rems. Fluid style doesn't focus on building for specific devices. Instead, it makes a structure that fits easily on any screen size or window. As you pour water into a container, it easily shapes into the thing that holds it.
As an example:
If you use a flexible style for your website logo, it will automatically stretch on big screens and shrink on small ones.
You don't need a different set of rules for this.
You can change images, text blocks, and navigation buttons on the fly to maintain their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
This freedom isn't just about how it looks; it's also about how simple it is to use and get to. Fluid styles make sure that websites work well on any screen size, from a 5-inch phone to a 55-inch TV.
Smartphones have largely contributed to the growing popularity of flexible styles.
Despite the fact that phones now generate more than half of all web traffic, not all apps are equal.
While foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, can transition between phone and tablet modes, small phones, like the iPhone SE, have small screens.
Issues to Address: Varying screen sizes
When dealing with non-standard sizes, traditional adaptable designs usually perform poorly, leaving gaps or misaligned text.
Foldable displays: Layouts need to instantly change according to the screen's dimensions and orientation.
By making design elements movable rather than fixed, fluid layout addresses these problems.
This guarantees that, regardless of its size or shape, the material will always feel and look realistic.
Not only web designers are following this trend. Every business should pay attention to how your website functions on different devices, as it directly impacts your online profile.
For this reason:
SEO Implications: Google's algorithms prioritize user experience, including mobile friendliness.
Because they function flawlessly across all devices, websites with fluid layouts are more likely to rank higher.
Improved Engagement: People are more likely to spend more time on a website that functions properly and looks fantastic on the device they prefer.
Future-proofing: Fluid-styled websites don't require frequent updates to function properly on new devices.
Adopting a fluid style requires a mental shift in addition to a technical one.
This is how to adjust: Work together with the designer:
Make sure they can correctly apply and comprehend fluid design concepts.
Review your website: To find out which parts of your website don't scale well, test it across a range of devices.
Keep yourself updated: Rapid technological advancements give you a competitive advantage if you stay up to date with trends like fluid layout.
The emergence of fluid structure is a reaction to our increasingly interconnected world and goes beyond a simple technical change.
Websites that don't change run the risk of losing users, becoming obsolete, and losing out on important business opportunities.
Creating a natural, intuitive, and accessible online experience is the goal of fluid style, which goes beyond simply improving websites.
The time to adapt is now, as this trend continues to grow.
Online is where people make their first impressions, so you can't afford to fall behind.