What differentiates responsive web designs from non-responsive web designs?

Responsive web designs are specifically characterized by their ability to adapt to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal viewing experience across all platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. This adaptability is achieved through flexible grids, layouts, and images that scale according to the user's device, allowing for a seamless experience without the need for separate designs for different devices.

In contrast, non-responsive designs do not adjust in this manner. They are typically fixed-width, meaning they will render the same layout regardless of the screen size, which can lead to usability issues on smaller devices. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that responsive designs inherently feature adaptive characteristics, making them a more versatile and user-friendly approach in the digital landscape.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of responsive design. For instance, responsive designs are not necessarily larger in size; in fact, they often optimize images and layouts to perform efficiently across devices. The notion that non-responsive designs are more modern is also misleading; responsive design is often viewed as a more contemporary and effective method aligning with current web standards and user expectations. Lastly, while coding for non-responsive designs may require specific configurations, responsive designs focus on efficient and streamlined markup that enhances development and maintenance.