In the late 1990s, when browser wars were effectively reaching a (shortlived) end, most users had one browser (Internet Explorer) on one operating system (Microsoft Windows). They had one device (desktop) with screen sizes that were more or less consistent everywhere. Designing websites for these specifications didn’t involve abstracting differences between numerous browser engines, platforms, and devices—it could be done with components of static sizes.
Eventually, web developers began creating components whose dimensions were specified in percentages relative to the viewport. This approach allowed the components to the browser window. This philosophy came to be known as ‘fluid design’.
In 2010, Ethan Marcotte published an article in which he spoke of ‘Responsive Web Design’. The article discussed the variety of devices that readers used to access the web—which meant accounting for screen sizes, browsers, orientations, and modes of interaction while creating content for them. This article changed the way developers approached web design.
Towards the end of 2016, mobile browsing overtook web browsing. This further emphasized the importance of thinking mobile-first when it came to web development.
Today, the market has over 9000 different mobile devices, with their own dimensions and graphics processing capabilities. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its search results. In 2019, you can not maximize your online reach without a responsive website.
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