Responsive Principles

In 2014, Ethan Marcotte suggested the need for a framework for responsive web design, one that was not about execution, but about philosophy and quality. This framework would help us frame the continuing discussion about our practice, and act as a reference point for measuring the appropriateness of our work.

We can start the work of building this framework, by agreeing upon a set design principles, each working in service of a broader goal, that of building a web that is and remains accessible to all.

1. Start from the point of greatest adaptability

   Start from a position that makes few assumptions about context and interface, and instead focus on the information users wish to acquire and the tasks they wish to accomplish.

2. Reflect the diversity of users within our practice

   The web is accessed by users with individual needs and desires (partially expressed by the devices they use). Multi-disciplinary and inclusive teams working together have a better chance of reflecting this diversity.

3. Build using systems that can be reasoned with

   Given the complexity of the technology we use to build the web, aim to keep things simple. Build modular systems, made up of discrete, self-documented components that can be adapted and improved over time.