Have you ever been on a website that felt like it wasn't meant for your smartphone? Text too big, buttons too close together, and you needed a magnifying glass just to read?
Been there; done that!
And this is where a mobile first design strategy swoops in to save the day. With over 6.8 billion mobile users worldwide, it's time to create a mobile version of the websites that fit right into the user's palm.
Let's go on a journey through mobile first design – why it's a big deal and how you can make a mobile friendly website!
What is Mobile First Design?
Mobile first design is a principle in web development where the website's design and website layout is primarily mobile friendly. Amongst all important web design principles, a mobile first approach helps businesses reach more people and aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience across all device types.
Try understanding it this way; you are building your dream home from scratch. But here is the fun part, you are beginning by creating the coziest and most welcoming room in the whole house. This room becomes your own escape, the place to relax and enjoy every moment. This unique approach is called "mobile first design."
Instead of starting with the bigger rooms for computers or tablets, you're beginning with something more intimate and close to your heart – your trusty mobile device. You're determined to make mobile friendly websites that feel just as awesome on your phone's small screen as on larger screens.
Source: Interaction
It's about creating a mini mobile first version of your website that's easy to use, fun to explore, and a great experience on mobile devices. A mobile first web design is optimized for mobile devices before being adapted for larger screens, like desktops or tablets.
A mobile friendly design is like giving VIP treatment to your mobile users, ensuring they can enjoy your site fully without any problems.
Why is a Mobile First Design Strategy Important?
With so many web design trends on the go, why is mobile first design such a game-changer? The answer lies in the statistics.
More than half of online shoppers worldwide currently use their mobile device to purchase products online at least once a week.
DataReportal
Almost 60% of shoppers say that being able to purchase products on mobile devices is a key factor when choosing brands to buy from.
Google
Mobile devices currently account for 70 percent of the total digital media time in the US.
Comscore
With the exponential rise in usage of mobile devices, from smartphones to tablets or anything in between, ensuring a top-notch mobile experience isn't just a choice; it's a necessity.
Here are some other reasons why mobile first design is so important:
1. Meeting Everyone, Everywhere
Think about it – phones are everywhere, even in places where computers are rare. By prioritizing mobile first design, your website becomes a world traveler, accessible to folks no matter where they are or what they're using.
When a website is designed keeping mobile devices in mind, it's like giving it a passport to the world. Suddenly, it's not just for people in big cities with fancy gadgets but for everyone, including those living in faraway villages or remote areas. Even if all they have is a simple smartphone, they can still connect to your website and find all the services you have to offer.
Learn more about how to improve your web design in this article by Dorik – How to Improve Your Website Design in 2023 | 8 Proven Tips
2. Getting a Thumbs-Up from Google
Undoubtedly, Google is the boss of all search engines – deciding who shows up first when you look for something. Now, Google really likes websites that are optimized for different devices including mobile phones.
If your website works well on a smaller screen size like a mobile, Google gives you a high-five by making your web pages appear higher when people search for things. This is awesome because more people can find your website easily.
It's like Google is giving your website a superpower!
3. Retains Mobile Users' Attention
How quickly do you decide if a website is worth your time? Seconds! A mobile-friendly site that loads fast and is easy to explore means you won't bounce away, looking for something else.
This kind of user-friendly interface doesn't just grab your attention; it holds onto it. The instant accessibility and speedy loading time ensure you don't bounce away searching for an alternative. Instead, you're more likely to stay and explore because, let's face it, we all appreciate when a website respects our time and provides us with an effortless journey.
4. Fits All Shapes and Sizes
New gadgets pop up like mushrooms. First, you make your website look great on small screens like phones. Then, tweak it to look fabulous on bigger screens, like a desktop version.
This particular design method uses clever ideas to ensure your website has a clutter free layout on any device. It's like magic, but with technology!
So, when people visit your website, whether on a tiny mobile device or a huge computer screen, everything fits perfectly and works smoothly. This way, people can enjoy what your website offers without trouble.
5. Helps Gain Competitive Advantage
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital experiences, embracing the philosophy of mobile first approach places you squarely at the forefront of innovation. This approach isn't just a design choice; it's a strategic decision that can reshape how your online presence is perceived and utilized.
By prioritizing the mobile device as the starting point for your design process, you're not merely following a trend but setting one.
Let's understand the importance better with the example of Slack, which works well on mobile screens and multiple devices.
Slack has designed its website with a mobile first design concept, ensuring it's a breeze to use on any kind of device. The site features a straightforward navigation menu that's handy for smartphone users, plus top-notch visuals that shine no matter where the users interact.
Source: Slack
The mobile first web design is quite clean and simple, focusing on being easy to understand and use. They've also made their application interface display smooth to help a mobile user find their way around seamlessly.
Best Practices to Make Mobile First Design Rock
1. Content is Your BFF
While telling a story – you start with the most exciting part, right? That's what a mobile first design strategy does.
Prioritize essential content and features for smaller screens. Keep the text concise, and use clear headings and bullet points to enhance readability.
You can also leverage the graceful degradation technique where you can include all of the content complexities right from the start. And then strip them away later for smaller screen sizes.
2. The Visual Hierarchy Speaks Louder
Pictures and videos are the interactive elements that can work wonders for your mobile first design approach. They're cool, but don't go overboard.
Resize them for phones so they load super fast without losing their charm. Optimize the most important elements for mobile without compromising quality. Keep the white space optimum to maintain a clean web page that is free of distractions.
For optimal user experiences, use all the elements to complement your design practices rather than overwhelm it.
2. Say No to Pop-Up Chaos
Remember those annoying pop-ups that take over the screen? Whether on desktop designs or other devices, they are simply annoying. Let's avoid those.
Source: wcti12
Pop-ups can take a lot of attention, especially on mobile devices, and lead to a poor user experience. If necessary, use alternative methods like inline calls to action.
3. Test Your Mobile Design Before You Go Live
How about wearing new shoes without trying them – ouch!
Similarly, test your responsive web design on different mobile devices and mobile apps before you show it to the world.
Conduct usability tests to identify and rectify potential issues.
Conclusion
A responsive web design isn't something extra; it's the real deal. It's about making mobile first websites for real people, like you and us, who love their phones. When you implement the mobile first approach, you reach more people, make Google happy, and rank for mobile search results.
Remember, keep things simple, pictures just right, avoid pop-us, and follow all the best practices to ensure a better user experience.
So if you are thinking of creating a website, start with mobile first design today and make your website a fantastic hangout spot on any screen!
