Update RWD Vs AWD: Similarities and Differences

The hot topic for web developers and website owners is the way that websites can now automatically respond and adapt to any device with any screen size. There is huge dilemma in proposing best web design method for Mobile responsive project to clients. There we are to help you.

Lets discuss in detail about these two options for web design:

A) Responsive Web Design (RWD)

B) Adaptive Web Design (AWD)

Here seems to be some confusion about these terms, and some may refer to “Responsive design” is a subset of “Adaptive design”. Understanding the key differences between Responsive design and Adaptive design will try to keep everyone on the same page and help you select the best approach for your project.

Key Summary

This article from InApps Technology, authored by Phu Nguyen, compares Responsive Web Design (RWD) and Adaptive Web Design (AWD), two approaches to creating mobile-friendly websites that adapt to various screen sizes. It clarifies their definitions, mechanisms, and use cases to help developers and website owners choose the best method for their projects. Key points include:

• Responsive Web Design (RWD):
  • Definition: A fluid design approach using CSS3 media queries to adapt layouts dynamically to any screen size.
  • Mechanism: Client-side, where the browser adjusts the page’s appearance based on window size, using flexible grids (percentage-based) and adjustable text/images.
  • Characteristics: Fluidly changes layout as the browser is resized, ensuring seamless adaptation across devices.
  • Why Choose RWD?:
    • Growing smartphone usage and diverse screen sizes.
    • Supports multiple mobile browsers and wide internet usage on mobile devices.
    • Ensures broader browser compatibility.
    • Essential for businesses to maintain accessibility and user experience.
• Adaptive Web Design (AWD):
  • Definition: Uses predefined layouts tailored for specific screen sizes, selected based on the device’s detected attributes.
  • Mechanism: Server-side, where the web server identifies the device and loads the appropriate stylesheet.
  • Characteristics: Loads a specific layout for the device, which remains fixed regardless of minor resizing.
  • Drawback: Requires creating and maintaining multiple layouts, increasing cost and time for updates.
• Similarities:
  • Both enable websites to be viewed on mobile devices and various screen sizes.
  • Both enhance mobile-friendly user experiences.
• Differences:
  • Layout Approach: RWD uses fluid grids for dynamic adaptation; AWD relies on predefined, fixed layouts.
  • Processing: RWD is client-side (browser adjusts); AWD is server-side (server selects layout).
  • Behavior: RWD fluidly adjusts during browser resizing; AWD loads a specific layout for the device.
  • Maintenance: RWD is generally easier to maintain; AWD’s multiple layouts increase complexity and cost.
• InApps Insight:
  • InApps Technology specializes in both RWD and AWD, integrating React Native, ReactJS, Microsoft’s Power Platform, and Azure, using Power Fx for low-code solutions and Azure Durable Functions for scalable workflows.
  • Combines Node.js, Vue.js, GraphQL APIs (e.g., Apollo), and Azure to deliver optimized, mobile-responsive solutions, targeting startups and enterprises with Millennial-driven expectations.
• Recommendation:
  • Choose RWD for flexibility, broader compatibility, and lower maintenance costs.
  • Use AWD when specific, optimized layouts for targeted devices are critical, despite higher maintenance overhead.
  • Contact InApps for tailored advice on mobile-responsive web design or eCommerce development.

Responsive Web Design (RWD)

Responsive design is fluid, using CSS3 media queries to respond to any screen sizes. With the use of this CSS3 module, you can create flexible grids that use percentages to create a flexible foundation. Where text can wrap and images can shrink to adjust along with your browser.

Responsive design is client-side which means the page is sent to the device browser, and the browser then modifies the appearance of the page in relation to the size of the browser window.

The definition of a responsive website is that it will fluidly change and respond to fit any screen or device size.

Why You Need A Responsive Website?

• Growing Demand for Smartphones
• Multiple Screen Sizes and Mobile Browsers
• Wide Usage of Internet in mobile devices
• Permits wider browser support
• Compulsory for Getting Good Business

Adaptive Web Design (AWD)

Adaptive web design uses predefined layouts that have been carefully constructed for a variety of screen sizes. A particular layout is activated when the screen size of the device viewing the website is detected and matched with a style sheet.

Adaptive design is predominantly server side. This means that the web server does all of the work of detecting the various devices and loading the correct style sheet depending on the attributes of the device.

The major drawback of AWD is to create multiple layouts hence the maintenance and updation are also costly and time consuming.

Similarities and Differences

The biggest similarity between the two methods is that they both allow websites to be viewed in mobile devices and various screen sizes. They also provide visitors with an enhanced mobile-friendly user experience.

They are different in the way that they deliver the responsive / adaptive design to the user. RWD is dependent on fluid grids and AWD is relying on predefined size layouts.

Another major difference is usage of client side or server side is another way in which they differ.

The visible difference is that responsive design will fluidly alter its layout while you resize your browser window whilst adaptive design will load a specific layout for the device you’re viewing the site on.

Contact Us for more details or inquiries on Web Design or mobile responsive web designs.