Mobile first strategy is a design trend where designing a website for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices takes priority over desktop web design. With a mobile first strategy, a web designer will build a site given the constraints of a mobile platform (small screen etc) and then either copy or improve the site for desktop use.
The concept of Mobile First is very easy to articulate and hard enough to implement. However hard it is, the benefits are clear. Mobile first strategy also takes advantage of technology that is specific to mobile users (GPS, data-collecting, built-in cameras etc), to create features that are unavailable to desktop users, in default. Mobile first strategy also provides mobile users what they want – a good looking and fast loading webpages.
We’re currently in the middle of one of the biggest technological revolutions. Mobile Phones and Tablet computers have become as powerful and reliable as a desktop computer. As a result, customers, employees, and other stakeholders tend to use their smart phones and tablets everywhere, and that definitely impacts how they see your company online and how they interact with you on a daily basis. Companies have been able to interact with customers anywhere, at any time, with the help of Mobile Devices. It was not possible a few years ago. It’s also evident that almost 60% of searches happen on a mobile screen.
Many companies have adopted Mobile First Strategy and have reaped rewards. They have been able to multiply their sales and conversion rates in less time. But, it should also be noted that several other companies have failed, too! Mobile first does not mean simply having a mobile presence or a mobile website. It means thinking strategically about if and how mobile functionality can enhance your product, service or user experience.