Glossary · Websites and content systems
Responsive design
A layout approach that adapts content and interaction to different screen sizes, zoom levels, input methods, and available space.
Definition
Responsive design uses flexible dimensions, layout rules, type scaling, and content priorities so a site remains readable and usable across phones, tablets, laptops, large screens, and zoomed views. It is a behavior, not a separate mobile website.
Why it matters
A site can look polished at one width and still fail when text wraps, cards reorder, navigation changes, or a user zooms.
Common misunderstanding
Passing a single mobile screenshot is not comprehensive responsive or accessibility testing.
Related terms
Related system family: Websites & Publishing
Sources
- How the web works (opens in a new tab) · MDN Web Docs
Last reviewed July 16, 2026