The idea behind responsive web design is to accommodate desktop content on smaller screen sizes by dividing it into blocks that can be piled on top of each other when the window width becomes too narrow to display the blocks side by side. This saves users from having to scroll pages horizontally and instead, offers readable copy and optimized layouts on the first load. While this approach is perfectly acceptable for companies whose mobile users are mostly interested in learning more about a certain topic, it might not bode well for end-users wishing to perform more advanced functions.

Although we're still getting chills thinking about the first awkward m.sites, there are some undeniable advantages to this approach. Set aside the hideous interfaces and incredibly slow loading times from the early days, and you've actually got an ingenious solution for brick and mortar businesses. The hallmark of stand-alone sites is that they offer flexibility beyond responsive design. Let's face it, to this date mobile is largely synonymous with on-the-go. And if the user flows on mobile and desktop vary from one another dramatically, this behavioral difference needs to be accounted for with easier access to store locators and opening hours. All we can say is: go small or go home.