Responsive design: what needs to work on every screen

Responsive design adapts a layout to the available space. The job is not finished when a site fits on a phone: people still need to read, choose and complete their task.

Keep the information people need

The order and layout can change on a smaller screen, but essential information should remain available. Prices, service conditions and contact details should be easy to find.

Test menus and forms

Check that buttons are easy to tap, labels are readable and errors explain what to fix. Try the form with a phone keyboard open, as well as in a resized desktop browser.

Consider images and tables

A large photograph may need a different crop. A table needs a layout that preserves the relationships between its data. Shrinking everything is rarely enough.

Check the whole journey

Open an internal page directly, switch language and continue through to an enquiry or purchase. Test intermediate screen sizes too, where layout problems are easy to miss.

Make the content work on a smaller screen

For Small Talk Language School, we organised programmes, events and articles in Greek and English, with layouts adapted for mobile. A parent needs to find the right programme and information on whichever screen they use. That is why checking different devices belongs in the website design process from the start.