Over the past five years the point of access for web content has swiftly
moved from desktop machines to mobile and tablet devices. The iPad’s
birth on April 4, 2010 tipped the balance for good; confirming new requirements
on web design. Websites have to “work” across a range of device
sizes. Strategies to meet variable page frames can roughly be placed into
two buckets – adaptive and responsive. “Adaptive” is where different
files/versions are delivered by the server to meet the size of the browser.
“Responsive” is where the content delivered to the browser fluidly conforms to
the display parameters.
Higher Logic introduced native adaptive mobile websites at the 2012 Super
Forum. When a Higher Logic website is accessed through a mobile phone the
mobile browser is recognized. A set of webpages specifically formatted for
mobile devices is currently delivered to mobile users. Currently Higher
Logic developers are focused on delivering a responsive site experience for all
Higher Logic clients. We refer to this development effort as the
“Bootstrap Project”
“Bootstrap”
is a framework for websites that are responsive and attractive across
multiple devices. Higher Logic utilized this framework for our CCAdmin
revisions released in November. Of course, admin-facing controls are only a
small subset of Higher Logic functionality. Revising all the user-facing
controls to work within the bootstrap framework -- a 10 to 15 week project – is
currently underway. When all the controls are completed we will provide all
clients with bootstrap/responsive websites. At that time we will
provide assistance and training to configure and manage these new sites
prior to their launch. Bootstrap sites will go live for each client
when individual clients determine that their sites are ready.
I am very excited by this project. The contrast between old and new sites
will be as dramatic and positive as what we experienced for CCAdmin in
November. While Higher Logic clients won't need to discard all
elements of current site designs, the Bootstrap re-launch
provides obvious opportunities to make wholesale changes consistent with
responsive site design standards.
What does this mean for Higher Logic clients? Options to deliver
crisp, attractive experiences across devices to achieve engagement, functional
and branding goals. What does this mean for Higher Logic end users?
More enjoyment and incentive to create content and connect anytime, anywhere.