On behalf of our private and public sector clients,
TMP Worldwide and its wholly owned subsidiary, TMP
Government, have been monitoring the implications of
“mobile-first” and “responsive Web design (RWD).”1
Both of these complementary design philosophies
indicate a major shift in developing a Web presence
for organizations. Circumstances are rapidly dictating
that organizations reconsider the traditional approach
of designing first for larger screens and then modifying
a site for handheld devices. The desktop/laptop-first
methodologies can no longer hold sway with the
smartphones and tablets that will soon surpass them in
Web traffic. As Internet mobility assumes its place as a
medium of choice for personal and work life, organizations
must consider making it the starting point for a onesize-
adaptively-fits-all website.
This decision, however, may not be clear cut and allowed
to prevail in all circumstances. TMP believes that the
following five principles can help you decide if mobile-first
and responsive Web design are right for your situation.