Web Design: Web Responsive Design versus specific app
A very interesting debate is currently taking place in the world of web programming between, on the one hand, those who prefer a common design which adapts to the device (Web responsive design) and, on the other, those who prefer specific applications for each medium. This debate is ultimately about preferences and tastes, since both options have their pros and cons.
Websites designed using Web Responsive Design are based on the idea that page content adapts automatically to each screen size, keeping or removing elements to achieve this. The main advantage of this option is that it is sufficient to have a single version for all devices, which means, for example, less effort to publish contents or in the control and flexibility which this allows when making changes.
In the case of specific apps, one version is created for the web and another for mobile devices. The positive side of this is that its design is simpler, since the precise requirements for each medium are known in advance. Also, since the version is specifically designed for mobile devices, it offers a better browsing experience.
Both options also have their disadvantages. With Web Responsive Design, more time, effort and specialist knowledge are required due to its need for more development. For its part, the specific app, which is tailored to the features of each device, requires less development and, therefore, less time and knowledge. This, however, makes it necessary to duplicate tasks, since the web version and the one focused on digital channels must be managed separately.
These two options are made available to publishers so that they can evaluate and choose the one which best fits their needs and strategies. Without doubt, the world of the web and that of mobile devices now form a key part of the panorama of media companies.