Hi there, I recently created a topic regarding when not to create a mobile site, that received a few interesting and conflicting opinions but thanks for them all!

 

So now my thoughts have turned to this. What's better? A responsive design or a mobile site?

 

I'm making a site for an illustrator friend of mine, i've tried a bit of tinkering to make it responsive but i've found it severely affects the design of the site, so perhaps a totally separate mobile site would suit far better, so it would allow me to make a new but similar design (Or i could even go for that mobile app look).

 

Is this bad practise though? I've looked online and lot of people (including google) say you should go responsive (just because google says so doesn't make it right though .... right?) but my gut says go for a separate mobile site.

 

Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated and meet with much enthusiasm.

 

Cheers!

As you say Google recommeneds using one resposive site that adapts for any device. That makes a lot of sense as you only have to maintain one code base, and one set of content (COPE - Create Once Publish Everywhere).

 

The problem you have is that you seem to have "designed" for desktop first without considering mobile, therefore you are having problems making it adapt.

 

The solution is probably to design for mobile first, then scale up the layout, content presentation for larger devices.

For me, it's better to create responsive web design as mobile sites are a bit old-fashioned

As per my experience it is best option to create responsive website. If you create separate website then it takes more time and separate coding for mobile as well as desktop.