The importance of Adaptation in the modern Adoption of
responsive design
The importance of Adaptation in the modern Adoption of
responsive design
David Stump | DePaul University | May 2012
This project evaluates the current debate among many web
designers between responsive and adaptive web design techniques.
The aim is to discuss the debate and examine the importance of
design adaptation in modern web design.Responsive Vs. Adaptive
Debate
Responsive DesignCoined by Ethan Marcotte in A Book Apart
seriesCenters on belief that user should have same experience no
matter the device usedFocuses on adjusting the layout of a design
to fit the resolution of the device/media
Adaptive DesignDefinitive work on technique by Aaron
GustafsonCenters on the belief that design and content should be
altered based on context of userContext includes device, location,
orientation, history, etc.Context information should be used in
crafting user experience
Responsive vs. Adaptive Design
Responsive Design - LayoutAdaptive Design Content
FindingsAdaptive is not a competitor or alternative to
responsive designInstead, it is the evolution of responsive
designUsing all user context available is essential to web
designMost important technique in modern design is adaptationA
designer must adapt to client needs, user needs and user
context
Adaptation is the most important concept in modern web design. A
good design adapts to fit the client needs, the user needs and
adjusts the experience based on the context of the user including
device used, device orientation, geolocation, browser capability,
user history and more.Adapt Or Die
Project Timeline05/02/2012 Submit Project Proposal 05/16/2012
Present Project Progress 05/30/2012 Submit Project
Presentation06/06/2012 Final Project Report Due
Presentation ReferencesMarcotte, E. 2011. Responsive Web Design.
A Book Apart, New York, NY. Gustafson, A. 2011. Adaptive Web
Design. Easy Readers, LLC, Chattanooga, TN.Web Devices
http://bradfrostweb.com/Dodo Bird Marketing
http://conversationmarketing.com
