Do mouse users prefer larger buttons on RWD sites for a better experience?

Not entirely certain if this platform is the most suitable for posing this query, so if warranted, please close it and recommend a more appropriate venue for such inquiries.

In the realm of responsive web design (RWD) today, it is common practice for websites to enlarge buttons when the window width decreases. This adjustment is logical because smaller window sizes often trigger the display of a mobile web interface, necessitating larger touch targets.

Nevertheless, for desktop browser users on non-touch devices who opt for a narrowed window size, do the touch-optimized features (such as larger buttons) really offer any substantial benefits? It seems that with components unnecessarily enlarged, the screen real estate is needlessly occupied.

A similar issue arises when dealing with touch devices sporting wider window sizes and displaying smaller buttons. Is this a satisfactory user experience?

An alternative suggestion involves server-side browser detection to determine whether the user is operating a touch device (like an iPhone) or a desktop. In this scenario, a touch-optimized CSS could be sent to the client accordingly.

Consequently, as a developer, what are the trade-offs involved in deciding which approach to adopt? What guiding philosophy or principle should be adhered to in such circumstances?

Answer №1

To efficiently detect touch capabilities in the browser, the most effective method is through feature detection. Given that there is no universal approach for detecting touch using CSS, the following JavaScript code can be implemented:

if ('ontouchstart' in document) {
    // Include the appropriate CSS tailored for touch interactions
}

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