What does the term "responsive design" refer to in web development?

Responsive design in web development refers to the approach that ensures a website's layout and content adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal viewing experience for users. This adaptability involves using flexible grids, images, and CSS media queries to modify the site's design based on the characteristics of the device accessing it, such as screen resolution or orientation.

The importance of responsive design lies in its ability to deliver a consistent and user-friendly experience across a wide range of devices, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones. This is particularly crucial given the increasing variety of devices that people use to access the internet, as it allows a single website to serve multiple platforms effectively without needing separate versions for each one.

In contrast, the other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the principles of responsive design. For instance, design that only works on desktop would not accommodate mobile users, leading to a poor experience for a significant audience. Similarly, while interactivity is an essential aspect of web design, it is not inherently linked to responsiveness. Lastly, a design that is exclusively text-based would not utilize the full potential of responsive frameworks, which aim to create visually appealing and functional layouts suitable for any device.