StudioPress announced that they’ll be releasing a Genesis Framework update that will include a built-in mechanism for creating mobile versions of the child themes. They’re calling it Responsive Design.
I’m VERY excited about this development (I contacted StudioPress a few weeks ago about this and am delighted they already had it in the works).
Anyway, lately I’ve been writing extensively about creating mobile versions of websites, particularly mobile WordPress websites. My articles to date are:
- Mobile Website Builder: 7 Features to Look For
- Create a Mobile Website: 5 Reasons Plus an Easy Way to Do It
- Handheld Review: WordPress Mobile Plugin: I Use this a Ton
Over the last month (October 2011) I’ve created mobile versions of my business websites and client business websites. To date I’ve used the Handheld plugin by ElegantThemes, which works with ANY WordPress theme. In other words, you don’t have to use themes by ElegantThemes to use the Handheld plugin (a very smart move by ElegantThemes).
So far I love the Handheld plugin by ElegantThemes. I’ll be interested to see how the StudioPress Responsive Design WordPress mobile theme technology compares.
I checked out this child theme which is already configured with the Responsive Design on my mobile device. It’s hard to fully assess it on a demo. I’d rather check it out with my own business websites. I’ll have to wait until I can decide whether to stay with Handheld or switch to StudioPress Responsive Design.
What I like about the StudioPress Responsive Design
It’s built into the Genesis theme (parent theme). This way I don’t have to add a plugin (although I prefer the plugin over a dedicated WordPress Mobile Theme.
How StudioPress’ Responsive Design Works
It automatically adjusts the display of your site on mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android).
What’s concerning me right now about StudioPress’ Responsive Design
I checked this child theme on my mobile device and I did NOT see an option to revert to NORMAL VIEW. I love the fact Handheld provides a clear option at the bottom of the site for visitors to view a normal view. Some people prefer viewing the regular view of a website (I do sometimes – especially when I’m returning to a website and am looking for a particular section or web page).
However, just because a normal view option was not available on the present demo doesn’t mean it won’t be available on the full version which will be released with Genesis 1.8.
Stay tuned to this website (you can subscribe to my RSS feed) because I’ll be sure to check out the StudioPress Responsive Design when it’s released. I’ll do a full write-up on my findings and experience.
Click here to read StudioPress’ blog post about the StudioPress Responsive Design.
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