Selecting a route to responsive

We wish we could tell you that there is just one linear path to rolling out a responsive redesign, but having designed and built hundreds of responsive platforms across multiple sectors, we know that the process can vary. Many approaches work, but you need to understand the benefits and risks of each before proceeding.

We are often asked; Can you redesign our entire site at once, or do you need to stage the roll out over a period of time? Are you going to retrofit the existing desktop site or start from scratch? Will you release a beta version or soft launch to prepare our users?

To find the right option for your organisation, we’ll ask these questions:

• What impact will a redesign have on those accustomed to your desktop site? Now, very few organisations ever fire straight back with: “Not one bit”, but some organisations redesign relatively frequently without launching a beta version – they just flip the switch on a retrofit and away they go. Others are well aware that they can’t risk frustrating existing customers by introducing drastic changes without an adjustment period, so at Connect, we’ll turn to analytics to shape the decision making process.
• Are you redesigning a web application? Don’t let anyone tell you that web apps can’t be made responsive. They can, but it takes time and effort. If you have large tabular data presentations, complex form-based transaction flows, or tricky integrations with legacy backend systems, you will need to factor additional time into the process.
• Would you like to migrate/change your content? A responsive redesign is a fantastic opportunity to clean up and pare down your existing content – you may never get a better chance to fix bloated copy that isn’t doing performing as well as you hoped. That said, many organisations find they can’t do everything at once, so they roll out the cleanup in stages, and we can help with that.
• Are you planning to implement a new CMS or APIs? Many organisations will confirm that the work they’ve done over the past few years to rehouse their publishing systems makes the move to responsive so much simpler, but you’ll need to decide whether your CMS needs to changed before we put pen to paper.
• Are your stakeholders prepared for the process? Some organisations use a responsive redesign to engage the entire organisation in learning a new process. Others take a different approach, rolling out the redesign first and fixing any issues later. Ultimately, it’s important that all involved are on the same page from the outset.

The idea of a redesign, be it retrofit or a complete overhaul, may seem a little daunting at first, but once you know the answers to these questions, and our team will be able to offer advice throughout this process, you’ll be able to consider your options for going responsive with a stronger degree or clarity and confidence.

Do you need help selecting the most appropriate responsive route for your organisation? Connect with us today.

We are Connect – the original web development agency. We have been providing best-in-class web, data and development services to public and private sector clients since 1994.