Base components overview

The component are the key ingredient of the pattern library. These will be a living repository for simple, re-skinnable page components. This is also where consideration is given to all key base components that comprises the building blocks of this site: typography, buttons and many more.

Key considerations have to be given to the different devices our current and prospective users utilise to arrive at our websites.

Desktops

The difference between consuming content on a mobile device and consuming content on a desktop is really a general aspect of the user’s time, location and content type. Ultimately, these factors decide which device the user will reach for and the type of experience they’re looking to have.

Tablets

In contrast to the desktop or television platforms, the consumption of content and services on tablet devices is similar to mobile in that it doesn't always happen in ideal viewing circumstances.

Tablets can be used whilst commuting, at home watching television (second screening), or in social situations. This means that variations in contextual behaviour can affect the types of content consumed and the device distance from the viewer (Close, Medium & Far).

As a result, users demand the flexibility to modify content presentation should their viewing context change, by changing device orientation or increasing font sizes for example.

Mobiles

In contrast to the web or television, consumption of content and services on mobile rarely happens in ideal viewing circumstances. Mobiles are often used whilst commuting, watching television, or speaking with other people and it is important to bear this in mind when designing for this platform.

As a rule, mobile web pages scroll vertically. It's best to arrange the page content so that it is in direct 'read order', starting with the most relevant or featured content at the top.