Are you reading this blog post on your phone or tablet?  If so, then you are still in the minority – but not for long.  According to an article I recently read, mobile share is about 25 percent, on average – and is rising fast.   So, I wasn’t surprised when I saw this article in Ignites that touted the benefits of responsive web design that optimizes the look and functionality of a website for a range of screen sizes – from small handheld devices to large desktop monitors.   And, of course, it made me feel kind of warm and fuzzy knowing that the new website we launched at Confluence in June was developed with responsive design.

I can’t imagine living without my iPhone or my iPad.  They are my lifelines to work and my go-to source for everything – from shopping to checking my 15-year old son’s grades or planning a vacation.   But I’ve become pretty spoiled.  I expect my surfing experience to be simple and flawless.   Apps specifically designed for my mobile devices typically fit the bill, but websites are another story.   Nothing is more frustrating than opening the browser, finding a website and then stretching, zooming and tugging just to read the copy.  And navigating some sites on my iPhone is downright impossible.   Responsive design takes that frustration away from the user.  Plus, it eliminates the need to develop and maintain different websites for the desktop and mobile devices, reducing costs and effort.

Sure, I am a bit biased, but I think our site is pretty cool. We wanted to create a great user experience no matter how someone gets to it, from a phone, a tablet or a desk top.  But, then, my opinion doesn’t really matter.  It’s what you, our website visitor, think of the experience that does matter.  So, if you haven’t already, I invite you to visit our site on a mobile device and then let us know what you think by responding to this blog post.