Definition of Mobile First: a revolution in web design

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Le mobile first has become a key concept in the world of web design. Faced with the predominance of mobile devices in our connected world, website designers have had to rethink their approach in order to offer a more user-friendly service. user experience whatever the screen size.

In this article, we'll explore the different aspects of this revolution and why you should adopt this principle for your web projects today.

 

What is mobile first and why is it so important?

Mobile first is an approach to website design that prioritises mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets before adapting to larger screens such as computers.

In other words, it means designing your site starting with a mobile version and then extending it to other screen formats using the responsive web design.

Its importance is well established, because statistics show that mobile devices are increasingly being used to surf the Internet.

According to a number of studies carried out around the world, more than half of all Internet traffic now comes from these small screens, and the trend is growing all the time.

It is therefore essential for any company or brand wishing to reach a greater number of potential customers to take this reality into account in its strategy. digital strategy.

Better referencing and satisfied users

Of course, mobile first is not just about meeting the expectations of web users.

Google also favours websites that are optimised for mobile devices in its search results.

By adopting this approach, you can give your site a double advantage: better positioning in search engines and a satisfying user experience for your visitors.

Implementing a mobile-first strategy: the key stages

Think about the features that are essential for the user

When designing your site in mobile-first mode, the first thing to do is to determine the essential functionalities on which you are going to concentrate your efforts.

To do this, put yourself in the shoes of the user browsing on their smartphone: what will their priority be when they visit your site? What actions will they want to take?

Once you have drawn up this list, design your site so that these key elements are easy to access. Clickable icons, buttons adapted to screen sizes and simplified menus are all solutions that can help to improve the user experience. airworthiness of your mobile platform.

Optimising performance and loading speed

Smartphone users are generally impatient and tend to leave a site quickly if it takes too long to load. It is therefore crucial to ensure the performance of your website and to optimise the weight of images, videos and other media that can slow down its display.

To do this, don't hesitate to use online tools to assess your site's loading speed and identify areas for improvement. This step will enable you to offer your visitors a smooth and pleasant experience, encouraging their engagement and loyalty.

Exploiting the possibilities offered by smartphones

Mobile-first design is not just about adapting the content of your site to a smaller screen. You also need to take into account the specific characteristics of mobile devices and take advantage of their advanced features.

For example, it may be appropriate to integrate the use of GPS to offer geolocation services, or to display push notifications on the user's screen to capture their attention even when they are not directly connected to your site.

All these options will enrich the overall experience of your users and help to establish your presence on the digital market.

Pitfalls to avoid in a mobile first approach

Overestimating Internet users' abilities

One of the main pitfalls of a mobile-first approach is believing that users are capable of understanding and manipulating all your functionalities without any problem.

But this idea is wrong, because we must always bear in mind that the simplicity The emphasis is on the innovative or playful nature of the elements present on your site.

To avoid this pitfall, make sure your interface is intuitive and easy to use for your visitors. Give priority to clear instructions and striking visuals, while avoiding drowning the user in a flood of information or options that are too complex.

Neglecting the scalability of your site

Finally, bear in mind that mobile technologies are constantly evolving and that the market is competitive between different brands and operating systems.

So plan a flexible approach from the outset, enabling you to adapt your platform quickly to new standards and market requirements.

So mobile first is far from just a passing fad: it has established itself as a truly essential method in the world of web design.

By adopting this approach, you are adopting a strategy that will not only enable you to reach more potential customers but also improve your search engine positioning.

So go ahead: put mobile devices at the heart of your new web project!