Why RWD looks like RWD

Web developer and consultant Tim Kadlec:

The more multi-device work you do, the more you discover that the toughest problems to be solved aren’t related to technology. The toughest problems are related to people, process, workflow and politics…

…Transitioning from the traditional waterfall/siloed approach to a fluid process where designers and developers are working more closely together can be a very difficult adjustment. Not only do you have to battle the internal politics involved in such a move, but you have to experiment to find the right comfort level. Until organizations make that transition it’s natural for things to be off-balance a little bit.

Exactly. As I’ve written myself and linked to elsewhere, responsive web design is more than a few tweaks and fixes taken in isolation. It’s a change in workflow that requires buy in from several key players.