Understanding mobile-first
Have you ever stumbled upon a website or app that looks ridiculously amazing on your phone, but somehow loses its magic on your computer? Or maybe you’ve played a game on your tablet that’s an absolute blast, but falls flat on your TV? Well, it’s not just a coincidence – it’s all thanks to the “mobile first” approach.
The mobile-first approach was popularised by Luke Wroblewski, a web designer and developer, in his 2011 book “Mobile First.” It’s based on the idea that designing for mobile devices forces you to focus on the essential features and content, resulting in a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Some key principles of mobile-first design include:
1. Simplifying content and features
2. Using single-column layouts
3. Focusing on touch-friendly interactions
4. Optimizing for slower network speeds and smaller screens
5. Designing for portrait orientation
So, what’s the big deal about mobile first?
Think of it like planning a party. You’re trying to cram into a tiny backyard tent as much fun as possible.
You wouldn’t start by planning for a massive ballroom, only to realise you’ve got too much space, would you? Nope, you’d start small and make sure the essentials are covered.
That’s basically what mobile first is – designing digital products (websites, apps, games, etc.) with the tiny screen and limited space of a mobile device in mind first. Then, and only then, do designers adapt it for bigger screens.
Why should you care about mobile first?
Let’s face it, most of us are glued to our phones 24/7. We scroll through social media, binge-watch videos, play games, and even (gasp!) do our homework on our phones.
So, it makes total sense that designers should prioritize making things look and work amazingly on our phones first.
Here are a few reasons why Mobile First is a total game-changer:
– Phones are where it’s at: Let’s be real, most people use their phones way more than their computers. So, it’s like designing a party for the most popular room in the house!
– Less is more: With smaller screens, designers have to focus on the essentials and make sure they work seamlessly.
– Adding more is easier: Once the basics work like a charm on a small screen, it’s a breeze to add more features and details for bigger screens.
The bottom line
Mobile First is all about putting your phone (and your experience) first. It’s like planning a party that’s ridiculously fun, no matter the size of the room. By focusing on smaller screens, designers create better products that work flawlessly across all devices. So, next time you’re scrolling through your phone, remember – it’s not just a small screen, it’s the star of the show!
