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What is Responsive Web Design?

Updated: Apr 27, 2025

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Responsive web design is the modern standard for building websites. Simply put, a responsive site automatically adjusts its layout and content to look and work its best no matter what device someone is using—whether it’s a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or large desktop screen.

Test it yourself:

If you’re viewing our website on a desktop, try resizing your browser window. Watch as the layout shifts to fit perfectly at any width—no pinching, zooming, or awkward scrolling required.

Why responsive and why is it important?

Every year, more Kiwis browse the web on mobiles and tablets. Your customers expect fast, seamless experiences on every device. If your website isn’t easy to use on a phone, you’re likely losing visitors—and potential business.

Key reasons to go responsive:

  • Mobile usage is skyrocketing: Most New Zealanders now search on mobile first.
  • Improved SEO: Google prioritises mobile-friendly, responsive sites in its search rankings.
  • A better user experience: Fast, easy browsing means happier customers (and more conversions).
  • One website for every screen: No need for separate desktop and mobile sites—responsive is cost-effective to maintain.

So what does Google think?

Google have announced the following guidelines for responsive design as part of their ongoing commitment to accessibility.

Google recommends responsive design as best practice. Their official guidelines stress the importance of accessibility and user experience. If you want to perform well in Google Search and reach as many customers as possible, a responsive site is essential.

How can Adhesion help your business?

Adhesion has extensive experience building responsive websites for New Zealand businesses. Whether you’re happy with your current site or ready for a full redesign, we can help you:

  • Update your existing site for mobile and tablet users
  • Build a brand new, future-proof responsive site
  • Improve your user experience and your Google rankings

Let’s make your website work on every device.

Contact Adhesion today for practical advice and a no-obligation chat about your mobile and responsive web design options.

Fully certified, year after year.

Our reputation goes hand-in-hand with our team’s dedication to best practice. As a registered Premier Google Partner, our team refreshes our certifications every 12 months — A tradition we started over a decade ago. To stay ahead, we are always looking forward to upcoming certifications for online advertising, website development and search engine optimisation.