Website designing cannot be done by anyone with a computer, it is an art. Web designers spend a lot of time and effort in learning the kind of websites their client needs: right from the layout (whether fixed across all devices or flexible across platforms), the style (of whether they want it business like or retro) to the very content that goes into the website.
One of the questions website designers are faced with is whether to use the fixed position layouts that offer a substantially larger degree of control to the website, than a flexible one. The differences between the two layouts are: The fixed position navigation keeps many elements of the page constant and unchanging no matter the kind of browser used. This means even if the site is being used through various browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Mozilla, the layout of the site will look the same. Information is not rearranged because of the browser you use, or because you are viewing the site from your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
A flexible one on the other hand leases control to the browser to rearrange according to its specifications. There are certain advantages to the fixed position navigation you should consider before going flexible.
- Branding: As the elements on the page are constant, the identity that you create through the website will always be in focus. This works as a great marketing and branding strategy, as visitors will recognize your site instantly. The designs, style, colors, and photos you use will not be lost because of the browser’s adaptability. Users will be able to recognize your brand over platforms each time they encounter it as there is consistency.
- Visibility: It means your fixed elements are always present on the browser. For people who browse through their phones and the screen size is small, the visibility keeps your navigation in front of them always which in turn registers in their mind. Even when they zoom in and out to view the site better, those elements remain in the periphery. They are never truly gone. Hence, it is easier to identify your site and distinguish it from the rest of the sites.
- Navigation: As the name implies, the navigation is fixed. Your users will love it, because when they resize their screens, the navigation button is always around and easily found. This gives a better movement within the site, and ultimately leads to happy customers who will visit and spread the word about your site.