The short answer
Check an article at narrow mobile, tablet and desktop widths with the same content and interactions. Readability depends on line length, spacing, headings and working controls, not just a lack of horizontal scrolling. Test the sidebar and tables with real long titles rather than a short sample.
A worked example
A fictional guide uses a desktop table of publication criteria. On a small screen the table should remain understandable without pushing the entire page wider. The contents list can move above the article rather than shrinking the text. A 320-pixel test with the longest heading will expose issues a desktop screenshot cannot show.
A practical checklist
- Test common narrow and wide viewport sizes and the exact layout breakpoints. Look for clipped buttons, overflowing URLs and headings that compete with the page title.
- Use keyboard navigation to reach the contents links, article actions and footer. Keep visible focus states and meaningful link labels on every layout.
- Check a long article and a short one with images unavailable. Verify that reading order remains sensible when the desktop sidebar stacks into the mobile flow.
What to avoid
Avoid calling a design pixel-perfect after inspecting only one screenshot. Supplied references guide the typography, color and hierarchy, but real content lengths and responsive behavior require their own checks. Preserve accessible labels even when a compact visual design is used.
A useful follow-up
Should mobile text be much smaller to fit the design?
No. Reflow the layout and simplify spacing before shrinking essential reading text to fit a desktop arrangement.
