Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/274219
48 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 MARCH 2014 GIANLUCA FINO RESPONSIVE website design has come continuously become a staple in this day and age. Lessons have been learnt from the earlier developers and with current tools is now constantly being perfected. Several companies/brands both in the private and public sectors have shifted to a single site tac- tic to manage its desktop, tablet, and smartphone presence. Such brands/companies include Visit London, Transport for London and Disney made the switch to responsive design because of the benefits of SEO, social linking, unified web teams, and the abilit y to enable omni-channel. For many brands/companies, this is not the first time they are hearing about the benefits of a re- sponsive design but many of them have found it hard to understand how to reap these benefits. Users want the full site Today's consumer is different. According to a Pew Survey con- ducted in 2013, 21% of people use their mobile as their primary de- vice. One should not assume that he/she knows what the user is look- ing for, or that mobile is on the de- cline. Your mobile site should have the same " look and feel " as that of your desktop site and have the same level of content. It's basically a subject of prioritising content and optimizing layout. Concern of more content creating a slower site is something to be considered, but new technologies have shown that a well-done, full-featured site on a mobile device converts at a higher rate than a pared-down mDot site that is slightly faster. Speed is critical to ROI It is essential to set goals for the loading speed of each device as this will give your developers and web designers targets for them to reach. Experienced develop- ers and designers will make the leading role in your project. There are a number of tools and work methodologies that will insure you are designing and developing for speed. Image optimisation and maximizing use of CSS over Java- Script when possible will all create a faster site. Responsive design requires proc- ess change The organization must adapt to mobile first design. Instead of focusing on pixels, focus on the percentage and the f luidit y of the website. This means designers should be using tools like Axure and OmniGraff le instead of Pho- toshop for design protot ypes. The prioritization of content is of ut- most importance. Many compa- nies have realised this and have worked very hard to produce a continuous transition from desk- top website to mobile site and in turn improving the user experi- ence. Collaboration is critical As in every project a team/ com- pany is taking one communication is key and should involve every es- sential member. The members in the executive level, the decision makers must buy in to the project and give full support. Design- ers and developers need to work closely from step one. Developers have a critical role in making sure the design is optimized for speed because the often necessary use of JavaScript. Responsive design delivers the next evolution in web develop- ment -- uniting the smartphone, mobile and tablet channels. Gianluca Fino is a Business Development Executive at Alert eBusiness www.alert.com.mt Information Technology Responsive web design – the way forward DON ' T SETTLE FOR ANY JOB! WORKING AT MITA IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER JOB. WE ARE MALTA'S LARGEST ICT ORGANISATION, WITH A COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING EXCELLENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION. WITH A DEDICATED TEAM OF OVER 330 EMPLOYEES, MITA BELIEVES, AND INVESTS, IN ITS PEOPLE. WE CAN GIVE YOU EXPOSURE TO THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES AND THE BEST TRAINING, ENABLING YOU TO NOT ONLY FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL, BUT EVEN EXCEED IT. IF YOU'RE AFTER THE RIGHT JOB AND NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING ANY JOB, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Working in a dynamic environment focused on bringing about change within Government through the provisioning of leading edge technical solutions, the successful candidate will be exposed to dierent areas of Government's operations. Through this acquired business acumen s/he will develop or implement/support solutions that transform Government's operations to the benet of citizens. The successful candidate will be expected to hold either of the following set of qualications and experience: i) An ICT related degree (MQF level 6 or higher), in which case no previous experience is necessary; OR ii) an ICT related diploma (MQF level 5) together with three years' related working experience; OR iii) an ICT related diploma (MQF level 4) together with ve years' related working experience. Preference will be given to candidates who possess a current ICT skill set that includes business analysis/modelling methodologies, knowledge of design patterns complemented by the ability to develop and implement/support solutions using the latest technologies. For full vacancy details, visit: www.mita.gov.mt/careers S ubmit a detailed CV, together with a covering letter, by not later than Thursday, 20th March 2014 to: The Human Resources Manager, Malta Information Technology Agency, Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010 careers.mita@gov.mt MITA is an equal opportunities employer ubmit a detailed CV, together with a covering letter, to: Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010 ANALYST / DEVELOPER ETC PERMIT: 44/2014 MPO: 77/2005/05 Working within the Networks Services team, the successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and supporting ecient and cost eective Network solutions. Together with a team of highly technical people, the candidate will contribute towards the design, set up and operation of one of Malta's largest networks. This is a very challenging role and provides candidates with the opportunity to participate in interesting projects, acquire diverse knowledge and develop one's career. The successful applicant is expected to hold an ICT related Diploma equivalent to MQF 4(e) / 5 coupled with at least two years' related experience. TECHNICAL SERVICES OFFICER NETWORKS ETC PERMIT: 175/2013 MPO: 77/2005/15 Candidates are required to submit the MQF equivalence certicate for any Diploma or Degree that is not listed in the NCFHE database.