Differences between responsive and adaptive version of website

Responsive version

Responsive design involves creating a single website layout that dynamically adapts to different screen sizes, orientations and devices like desktops, tablets, phones or TV. The approach uses flexible grids and CSS media queries to rearrange and resize elements on the page based on available screen space.

The big advantage of the responsive version is one code base for all devices which reduces maintenance and is easier and cheaper to implement. Don’t need to create separate versions of the site. Unfortunately, they can performance issues will arise if it is not properly optimized for all devices. Limited control over how elements are displayed on specific devices may not be satisfactory to the user.

Adaptive version

Adaptive design involves creating multiple versions of a website specifically tailored to different device categories or breakpoints. Each version might have its own layout, design, and content structure optimized for a particular screen size or device type.

The adaptive version allows for greater control over the presentation method and optimized performance for each device category. It is, unfortunately, more expensive to develop because it requires more work from the programmer and designer. ​In some cases, it may have trouble recognizing the identity of content in different versions. In some cases, there may be a problem with recognizing by Google crawlers the identity of content in different versions, which is SEO unfriendly.

Mobile First?

Depending on the needs of the user group being analyzed, it is sometimes necessary to follow the „Mobile First” principle, which, as the name suggests, suggests starting the design process by creating a mobile-optimized version of the product and then enhancing the site for larger screens, such as tablets and desktops. This approach recognizes the growing importance of mobile devices as the primary means of accessing the Internet and aims to provide users with a seamless experience across all devices.

The choice between responsive and adaptive design depends mainly on the complexity of the site, the desired level of control over different layouts, and the resources available to develop and maintain the site. Both approaches have their advantages and challenges, and the right choice will depend on the specific goals, requirements and project budget.