Web Developer Reading List: Responsive Design

Like HTML, CSS, and design itself, responsive design is an ever-expanding set of technologies, techniques and best practices. This reading list is intended to provide an overview and introduction to RWD, while understanding that the field is constantly evolving and changing. Checking back frequently for new links and content and resources is strongly recommended. (You can also follow me on Twitter to be notified of any new resource updates).

This reading list is a little different from the others in that it is sub-divided into several parts. First, we explore the mobile and handheld world in general, and look at its attendant technological and design challenges, followed by the fundamentals of responsive design. Finally, I turn to specific problem areas in RWD, including videos, tables, and SVG, before concluding with a round-up of different techniques, technologies and use-cases.

Goals: Understand the mobile space; apply responsive methodologies and techniques to site development

Prerequisites: HTML & CSS

Total Time: (including exercises) 30 hours

Core Material

Mobile Development

1. CSS Media Queries
2. Understanding Pixel Resolution

RWD Fundamentals

1. A Basic Responsive Page

Responsive Images

1. Fluid Image Techniques
2. <picture>
3. srcset

RWD Navigation

Responsive Video

1. Fluid Video From YouTube & Vimeo
2. Forcing YouTube Videos Into HD

Tables

1. Better Responsive Tables

SVG

1. Making SVG Responsive

Round-up

1. Detecting & Controlling Touch Events
2. SMS Messaging From Links
3. matchMedia
4. Triggering Media Queries with JS

When You’re Done

Explore responsive design with these use-cases and tutorials:

1. Image Slider
2. Responsive Shapes
3. Responsive Imagemaps
4. Adaptive Illustrations

While it’s rarely directly referenced in the articles above, CSS flexbox layout works wonderfully with responsive design practices, and should be a part of every designer/developer’s skillset. If you’re unfamiliar with the module, I’d recommend starting with the Designers Guide To Flexbox series; I also have a number of flexbox examples around the site.