I'm disappointed and frustrated to see that the Responsive Layout is still not available in version 4.0.3
I've approached Simtech (the new custom dev offshoot of Simbirsk) for a quote. Their initial response had nothing to do with my request and they offered a quote for migration of data. (which I've already done to a dev install of 4.0.3)
When I point out that I specifically want and need a Responsive Layout, and that I'm willing to pay for it, the second reply was; Have you tried Twigmo?
First off; Twigmo does not support product swatches (images for variants) Almost all of our products are sold like this. For example; http://www.crushcosm…-round-lipstick (this is our current 2.2.4 store) So thats a showstopper.
Secondly, Google and most web developers you talk to will recommend a Responsive Layout over a mobile app, its the way of the future. (actually its already here) It's easier to maintain - you don't need to worry about updating and managing your desktop store plus the mobile one. Plus, you don't need to worry about new urls ranking in Google. (e.g; mobile.mystore.com)
I realise that Simbirsk probably invested a lot of time and effort into Twigmo, but i hope this won't prevent them from introducing the Responsive Layout a.s.a.p. I DO get the feeling they are dragging their heels on this.
Version 4 is already based on the Twitter Bootstrap framework. I can't imagine that its a huge job now to go Responsive. I do realise that some things will be impacted such as images and slideshows, but come on, we need this and we need it NOW.
If you agree, please add your voice to this thread.
Just out interest, check out these stores, all have online shopping and all use a Responsive Layout;
http://www.creativeb…bsites-12121456
A full Responsive Layout is under cs-cart roadmap and I think it's coming in the next few major releases?
You may be right cscartrocks, but I think my point still stands - Simbirsk are dragging their heels with this, they had every opportunity to introduce the Responsive Layout at the start of V4 when they adopted the Bootstrap framework. Heck, even the Admin has been done in Bootstrap since Version 3 right?
I concur. Responsive design should have been implemented. Hopefully we will get it for 4.1
Sounds like a good idea.
Hello,
Please let me say a few words in defense of Twigmo.
First of all, Twigmo now supports Option Combination Images, you can read about it at http://blog.cs-cart…mages-and-more/ .
Secondly, Google normally interacts with sites that dynamically serve different HTML on the same URL. You can read about it at https://developers.g…e-sites/details .
I agree with you that it is easier to maintain one store with a responsive layout, but Twigmo is highly optimized for mobile devices. A responsive theme can be not as good as a special mobile version.
I know that CS-Cart team has plans for developing a responsive layout, and some day it will be released.
They offer Twigmo as the only mobile product at the moment.
But in future our clients will choose between unification with a responsive layout and a specialized high-speed mobile application.
Thank you.
One thing that seems to be forgotten with this decision is that CS-Cart heavily relies upon modifications and addons. So much that even CS-Cart itself relies on it, moves addons to third parties and opens up a marketplace. (Which is all good IMHO)
But if mobile visitors need to use a separate application then this means that site owners need to add addons and modifications for both cs-cart and twigmo.
That's twice the number of addons to produce and maintain which costs us twice the investment.
[quote name='2tl' timestamp='1384349390' post='171510']
Hello,
Please let me say a few words in defense of Twigmo.
First of all, Twigmo now supports Option Combination Images, you can read about it at http://blog.cs-cart…mages-and-more/ .
[/quote]
Hi Ilya, thank you for your reply. The Option Combination images is not quite the same thing as having a “colour swatch” for each colour available. - Perhaps we are in more of a unique position? I dont know. But as we sell say a nail polish in 80 different colours, its not feasible for the main product image to change and suit each and every colour that we stock.
I think it works great in the example you show of different coloured iphones (with perhaps a maximum of 12 colour choices), but for us, Option Combination Images is simply too much bandwidth and slow page loading to consider.
Even if we did consider this option, our product would show a colour swatch instead of a product photo by using Option Combination Images. We dont have access to a studio product photos for the many thousands of colours we sell of various products.
[quote name='2tl' timestamp='1384349390' post='171510']
Secondly, Google normally interacts with sites that dynamically serve different HTML on the same URL. You can read about it at https://developers.g…e-sites/details .
[/quote]
Thanks for the link that points out the use of rel=“alternate” Ironically, that same article details Googles stance on Responsive Design;
[list=1]
[*]Sites that use responsive web design, i.e. sites that serve all devices on the same set of URLs, with each URL serving the same HTML to all devices and using just CSS to change how the page is rendered on the device. This is Google's recommended configuration.
[/list]
We would also like a responsive layout for CS-Cart. We're thinking of using one of the TechnoGrade responsive templates, however another CS-Cart user said they were terrible. Has anyone tried the responsive layout suggestion from this KB article?
100% must have feature. Without a responsive layout, you'll be left for dust because of mobile commerce growth. This gets my vote any and every day of the week.
[quote name='StellarBytes' timestamp='1384361344' post='171530']
100% must have feature. Without a responsive layout, you'll be left for dust because of mobile commerce growth. This gets my vote any and every day of the week.
[/quote]
Agree
Responsive theme is currently in work. It will be added with of one the major releases in early 2014.
Btw, here is the good article that compares mobile and responsive approaches - http://www.gottaquir…n-a-comparison/
Using “responsive” will put the onus on the merchant to structure and organize their store to be optimal for both environments. I.e. having 200 root categories can work on a desktop layout, but could make a responsive design almost unusable.
There are no “sliver bullets”, only “options to choose from”.
Thanks for the reply Vladimir. If thats the case, can I ask; is custom work available in Twigmo? As I mentioned above, we need to display product colour swatches (not Option Combination images) - if the Responsive Layout is still some time away, I would consider using Twigmo in the mean time, as long as we can customise it to suit our needs.
Right now, over 50% of our site visitors are using a mobile device, and we dont even offer a mobile layout! Our reports show customers completing checkout on a mobile phone, I can only wonder how many people gave up in frustration, trying to view a desktop layout on a tiny screen.
[quote name='admin' timestamp='1384368809' post='171540']
Responsive theme is currently in work. It will be added with of one the major releases in early 2014.
Btw, here is the good article that compares mobile and responsive approaches - http://www.gottaquir…n-a-comparison/
[/quote]
[quote name='Scott_C' timestamp='1384386341' post='171564']
is custom work available in Twigmo? As I mentioned above, we need to display product colour swatches (not Option Combination images) - if the Responsive Layout is still some time away, I would consider using Twigmo in the mean time, as long as we can customise it to suit our needs.
[/quote]
Hello,
Unfortunately, Twigmo was developed as a service, and its code is stored on the Twigmo server. You cannot modify any of the functionality or templates. You can modify styles. So, Twigmo is not suitable in your case.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hi Ilya, thanks for the reply, I suspected that was the case. Its a shame, because i really need a mobile solution that works for our business now.
[quote name='2tl' timestamp='1384436086' post='171604']
Hello,
Unfortunately, Twigmo was developed as a service, and its code is stored on the Twigmo server. You cannot modify any of the functionality or templates. You can modify styles. So, Twigmo is not suitable in your case.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
[/quote]
YES PLEASE - we need this for sure
Hi there fellows
I am watching closely for the past few months all cs-cart responsive efforts, and I have to say only the last few weeks (since mid November) I ve seen something realy worth using it.
[url=“http://themeforest.net/item/buyshop-responsive-retina-ready-cscart-theme/5988687?WT.ac=solid_search_item&WT.seg_1=solid_search_item&WT.z_author=etheme”]http://themeforest.net/item/buyshop-responsive-retina-ready-cscart-theme/5988687?WT.ac=solid_search_item&WT.seg_1=solid_search_item&WT.z_author=etheme[/url]
and
[url=“http://themeforest.net/item/csmart-responsive-cscart-theme/6117824?WT.ac=solid_search_item&WT.seg_1=solid_search_item&WT.z_author=dasinfomedia”]http://themeforest.net/item/csmart-responsive-cscart-theme/6117824?WT.ac=solid_search_item&WT.seg_1=solid_search_item&WT.z_author=dasinfomedia[/url]
The aproach is not bad at all (Solid grid system and Bootstrap framework)
Take a look. You might find them interesting. They have optimized banner slider (very nice indead) and theya re 4.0.3 compatible.
I think the door to Themeforest just opened!
Thanks dvsgr, a friend clued me on to these themes and they do look very solid. Unfortunately, I have already paid a developer to do a custom responsive theme!