[bluetidepro]

> "Use anything from your Nexus 7 to your mom's iPhone 4 to browse Mashable's new adaptive design." (A quote from within the left column marketing image)

Is it often referred to as "adaptive design", I've only heard it as "Responsive Redesign". Is there a difference between the two in any way? I doubt so, but I just figured I would ask so I don't miss something with the lingo...

Also, for the record, my mom actually has an iPhone 5 and I only have an iPhone 4. ;) Ha

[hfz]

There is actually a difference if we're talking about "adaptive layout" vs "liquid layout". In adaptive layout, the layout is adjusted in steps according to a limited number of sizes (various screen sizes, usually). While in responsive layout, the layout is adjusted continuously to every possible width.[1] When we're talking about responsive design, most example uses liquid layout.

Adaptive layout, though, is arguably better for readability. Optimal readability involves having control of the line-length of a body of text, which can be achieved with adaptive layout. In the case of liquid layout, line-length varies wildly over every width change, which is sub-optimal readability-wise.

[1] http://informationarchitects.net/blog/responsive-typography-...

[gisikw]

It's largely a semantics game. Some people use one to refer to device-responsiveness versus screen-resolution-adaptiveness. Under that definition, both apply to our redesign :-)

[bluetidepro]

Oh, okay. Awesome. I figured as much, but you never know these days and I didn't want seem like an idiot down the road using the wrong term or something! Haha Great design, by the way. I personally love it! :)