Presentation: A Collaborative Approach to Responsive Design
Sample submission from David Burns
Presentation: A Collaborative Approach to Responsive Design
David Burns |
Short Description
While responsive design offers many benefits, there are also drawbacks. These drawbacks may be difficult to perceive for those lacking a firm UX background. At the same time, it may be difficult for UX professionals to understand the relevant considerations from other disciplines. This 60-minute talk is divided into two sections. First, we present recommended responsive design considerations for business strategists, UX professionals and software developers. Second, we show examples of responsive design implementations. While viewing each design, we lead the group through a discussion on how the considerations presented may or may not have been taken into account. Long Description Introduction Responsive design is an approach to web development that allows the layout of a web site to render in a way that dynamically adjusts for different screen sizes. This allows developers to create one web site that will display in an optimal way on desktop monitors, tablets and smartphones. The primary benefits are significant – a shorter development period, reduced maintenance, cross-channel consistency and the ability for customers to access all functionality at every digital touch point. It is no surprise that many companies have moved to a responsive design approach…or are at least thinking about it. While responsive design offers many benefits, there are also drawbacks. Many of these drawbacks are not obvious for professionals in disciplines not focused on user experience design. At the same time, user experience professionals may not have a firm grasp on the relevant considerations from other disciplines. Responsive design affects business strategy, user experience, software development and maintenance operations. The purpose of this presentation is to help decision makers understand how responsive design affects each part of the business. Need for Cross-Functional Collaboration Modern large-scale web site development requires many specializations. As a result, many professionals involved don’t have the breadth of knowledge required to make well-informed big picture decisions. This can be further complicated by the lack of objectivity, misaligned incentives and hierarchy that often complicate corporate decision-making. Given the many potential pitfalls to cross-functional decision-making, it may be unrealistic to rely on organic collaboration as a means to reaching optimal decisions. Instead, we suggest that a framework for responsive design decision-making may help enlighten team members about the key considerations for their function, the key considerations for their cross-functional team members and the trade-offs within and across functions. We hypothesize that such a framework will lead to more objective and strategic decisions, as well as happier and more well-rounded team members. Understanding Cross-Functional Considerations Many professionals are incentivized to make good decisions that benefit their particular area of responsibility. As a result, cross-functional conversations sometimes devolve into arguments, rather than constructive dialogue. People need to be able to understand the perspectives of their co-workers – in this case as it relates to responsive design. We attempted to identify the most important considerations for each main function (business strategy, user experience and development). Business Strategy Considerations for Responsive Design
User Experience Considerations for Responsive Design
Development and Maintenance Considerations for Responsive Design
Conclusion Responsive design can be the right solution for many companies, but not all. Unless companies have the ability to collaborate and make wise cross-functional decisions, they are prone to moving forward with a suboptimal solution. While it is important to think through each of the considerations provided, we can say that we have seen trends that can help guide decisions. Responsive design seems to most often work well in the following situations: (1) Small websites with limited functionality across all devices, (2) When primary user tasks are the same across all devices, and (3) Content heavy sites with very limited functionality. As with most important decisions, the solution is not always black and white. There may be times when a hybrid approach is most appropriate. Regardless, the only way to come to the right decision is to find a way to objectively leverage the minds of a cross-functional team. We believe the considerations provided will help with that process. As UX professionals, we are once again reminded that the most appropriate solution can only be achieved by integrating both users and stakeholders into the design process. Goals
Agenda 0 minutes: Introduction, problem set-up, explanation of responsive design 5 minutes: Business strategy considerations 10 minute: User Experience considerations 20 minutes: Development and maintenance considerations 25 minutes: Trends and hybrid models 30 minutes: Example 1 and discussion 40 minutes: Example 2 and discussion 50 minutes: Q&A Selected Reviewer Comments
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