When you hear the word “internet,” what picture comes to mind?
You probably used to think of a computer. However, the times are changing–as of 2016, mobile devices are now the primary way people access the web.
As the internet becomes a mobile marketplace, it is even more crucial to keep your users in mind when designing any digital products. Did you know that 61% of users are more likely to do business with you if your mobile site is easy to use? Thinking like your user thinks is the key to a successful design.
Designing with mobile in mind should be a prime concern for any web or app designer. Yet, it can be tricky to know where to start. If you’re ready to make mobile-first design a priority, follow these tips for your next website.
Defining mobile-first design
What is mobile-first design?
Simply put, mobile-first design is designing for mobile devices before you plan for desktop browsers. With this approach, you create the smallest screen your user will see first and then move to larger screens.
Mobile-first design centers on the principle of progressive advancement.
Progressive advancement is a process of web design that begins with the smallest scale and further develops by size. When forced to use the most limiting prototype size, you must prioritize your most important content. Then you can add in extra elements as you progress into larger screen sizes.
Mobile-first design is more critical now than ever. With about 2 billion people currently accessing the internet through a smartphone only, designing for mobile is a way to appeal to most users. Understanding your audience and meeting them where they are at is one of the fundamental rules for design success. Mobile-first does precisely that.
Like all designs, there are advantages and disadvantages to mobile-first design. Understanding both sides before you begin will help you plan accordingly.
What are the benefits of implementing mobile-first design?
Designing for mobile devices first has many advantages. Here are a few to consider:
A focused audience
Simply put, mobile-first design is designing for mobile devices before you plan for desktop browsers. With this approach, you create the smallest screen your user will see first and then move to larger screens.
Quality content
Condensing your website content prioritizes quality and places less focus on the looks of the design. High-quality content with less fluff gets straight to the point. It gives your reader what they are looking for right away. This results in lower bounce rates and higher rankings, making your website an authority in your industry.
Design efficiency
Mobile-first thinking saves product design time and improves productivity–two things every web designer can likely appreciate.
Designing for web browsers first means you will have a complex site that you later have to reduce to fit smaller mobile screens. This process, called graceful degradation, requires a lot of effort. Unfortunately, it also often results in a less-than-ideal final experience.
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