What does mobile-first design mean?
Mobile-first is a design strategy that prioritises the development of a website or application for mobile devices before desktop computers. This approach recognises the growing importance of mobile devices in our daily lives and the increasing amount of web traffic coming from smartphones and tablets.
Mobile-first design: the origin story
The concept of mobile-first design was popularised by Luke Wroblewski in his book “Mobile First” in 2011. Wroblewski argued that designing for mobile devices first forces designers to focus on the most essential content and features, leading to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. By starting with the constraints of a small screen size and limited processing power, designers are forced to prioritise what is truly important, and eliminate unnecessary elements.
Key principles
A key principle of mobile-first design is responsive web design, to ensure that a website adapts to different screen sizes. This approach allows for a seamless user experience across all platforms, from smartphones to desktop computers. By starting with a mobile-first mindset, designers can create a more cohesive and consistent experience for users, regardless of the device they use.
Mobile-first design also takes into account the unique behaviours and needs of mobile users. People tend to use their smartphones on the go, in short bursts of activity, and often with one hand. This means that mobile interfaces need to be simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With this kind of approach, designers can create interfaces that are optimised for these specific use cases. This frequently leads to higher engagement and satisfaction among mobile users.
Benefits for businesses
With increasing numbers of people using the internet on smartphones, companies that prioritise mobile design are better positioned to engage with their target audience. Mobile-first design can also lead to higher conversion rates. This is because a seamless and user-friendly mobile experience reduces friction for impulse conversions. It can encourage users to take action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. It’s worth noting that increasing numbers of users are more comfortable purchasing on mobile devices instead of a desktop.
In other words, mobile-first design is an approach that recognises the importance of mobile devices.
With mobile devices in mind, designers can create more user-friendly and engaging experiences to cater to the behaviours of mobile users. Ultimately, adopting a mobile-first mindset is an essential strategy for any company. Talk to us if you’d like to know more!