What is Responsive Design? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
Responsive design is a web design approach where a website or application adjusts its layout and content to display correctly across different screen sizes — from large desktop monitors to tablets and mobile phones. Responsive design uses CSS media queries, flexible grids, and fluid images to create a single codebase that serves all devices appropriately.
Responsive-design in the UK
Responsive design has specific UK legal significance. WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.10 (Reflow) requires that content can be presented without horizontal scrolling at 320px width — effectively mandating responsive design for public sector websites under PSBAR 2018. The Equality Act 2010 requires accessible services for disabled users — many users with low vision rely on mobile devices zoomed to 200–400% (which requires responsive design). GOV.UK Design System components are responsive by default. ClickMasters builds responsive-first — all ClickMasters web applications are designed mobile-first and tested across device sizes.
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