Mobile first as a best practice in web design
Varrela, Otto (2015)
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015052710794
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2015052710794
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis is to explore and explain the advantages of using mobile first design principles as a best practice in modern web design and development. This thesis examines the benefits of using mobile first in the creation of websites from the viewpoints of a designer, developer and user.
The theoretical section provides a brief examination of the development of the Internet towards the mobile revolution. The effects of the revolution are examined both now and in the near future, in order to create a better understanding of the backgrounds. The fundamentals of modern web design are presented and explained in relation to mobile first design, as well as the planning and development of content and its requirements for mobile devices. The practical part includes the application of mobile first design and principles in the form of a website project.
The research results show an exponential growth of mobile device usage and predict that the trend will continue in the future. The results of the practical application illustrate that the development process of a website becomes more efficient and straightforward by applying mobile first design practices. Using mobile devices as the starting point results in refined websites, both content and performance-wise.
The growing use of mobile devices requires the adaptation of mobile first design as the guiding principle in web design and development. Making web sites mobile-friendly and usable on all devices is imperative for user experience, but also because failure to do so will have negative penalty on the site’s visibility in search engines. Embracing mobile first, as the focus on the content and usability is augmented, will ultimately result in better websites.
The theoretical section provides a brief examination of the development of the Internet towards the mobile revolution. The effects of the revolution are examined both now and in the near future, in order to create a better understanding of the backgrounds. The fundamentals of modern web design are presented and explained in relation to mobile first design, as well as the planning and development of content and its requirements for mobile devices. The practical part includes the application of mobile first design and principles in the form of a website project.
The research results show an exponential growth of mobile device usage and predict that the trend will continue in the future. The results of the practical application illustrate that the development process of a website becomes more efficient and straightforward by applying mobile first design practices. Using mobile devices as the starting point results in refined websites, both content and performance-wise.
The growing use of mobile devices requires the adaptation of mobile first design as the guiding principle in web design and development. Making web sites mobile-friendly and usable on all devices is imperative for user experience, but also because failure to do so will have negative penalty on the site’s visibility in search engines. Embracing mobile first, as the focus on the content and usability is augmented, will ultimately result in better websites.