Responsive Design

An approach where a layout fluidly adapts to any screen size using flexible grids, images, and breakpoints, so one design works across devices.

Why it matters

One layout, poured into every screen: the fluid answer to a device landscape that will not stop fragmenting. The craft is in the breakpoints — set them where the content breaks, not where devices happen to be.

Feel it

640px — three across

One layout, no versions — the same three cards reflow as the width you control shrinks. Compare adaptive design, which swaps layouts instead.

The numbers

Content breakpoints, not device breakpoints
Fluid grids + flexible media + media queries — the classic trio

Related terms

Adaptive Design
Baseline Grid
Alt Text
Assets
Consistency

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