The notion that a certain bit of content can be re-shaped into various forms and delivered effectively makes a bit of an argument against the long held idea of form following function. Can the same content be effectively delivered on a mobile device as well as a web browser screen? And perhaps the more important question, is should this be the practice?

Normally I would say that content should be designed for a specific medium, so that the experience can be controlled and the overall feel of a piece can be delivered as intended. I’ll default to a print metaphor but a business card isn’t a brochure, don’t use it as such.

Digital media can throw a monkey wrench into the works though and make this argument fall a bit flat if done correctly. As long as the structure of content is arranged properly and the hierarchy is thought about I think that it can work to deliver the same content across multiple mediums.

An smartphone isn’t used in the same way as an tablet or a desktop computer. If content is delivered in the correct order it can still be an effective use and minimized the number of individual pieces that need to be developed. Rather than having a site dedicated to mobile needs and a regular site, one site can be used for all.

The recent trends towards this media responsive design really makes content the king. I think this is probably a step in the right direction in the long run, even if current iterations don’t always work as intended.