In a report released June of 2012, measurement firm ComScore predicted that mobile internet usage would surpass desktop usage by 2014. Mobile and desktop internet usage is expected to meet at about 1.4 billion users each. With the introduction of more affordable mobile devices, such as the iPhone 5c, the number of mobile users is expected to continue to increase over desktop usage of the internet. Historically, most web developers have focused on designing web applications for the desktop user first and then attempt to gracefully degrade to a mobile view. This workflow needs to be flipped and mobile first development should lead the design process.
Progressive enhancement has been a term traditionally associated with accessible web design and refers to the process of providing enhanced application features as the capability of a device increases. Pairing mobile first design with progressive enhancement leads to leaner mobile views over using responsive design to degrade desktop views. Responsive design is the term that has been given to the process of providing alternate views across a range of device displays. Typically, aggregating information and removing non-essential application elements for smaller displays. Applications designed for the desktop first typically employ a responsive design strategy. The problem with the approach is that you start with a larger, heavier application and whittle it down. However, this can leave artifacts from the desktop view in the mobile view. This results in a mobile application that is heavier and more complex than it needs to be. A mobile first approach turns this right-side up and a progressive enhancement strategy provides a more targeted and leaner mobile view that adds features for devices with larger displays and advanced capabilities.
Synoptek views mobile first as the key to maximizing device compatibility, aligning the design of a website with the growing trend of mobile internet usage. Synoptek helps customers understand and appreciate the benefits of mobile first at the start of every web development project to make the most of their investment. There are several good quality mobile first frameworks that provide a foundation for application layout, navigation and components. These frameworks accelerate development, help to maintain a consistent user experience and reduce the mobile first adoption time for developers. Synoptek uses the Bootstrap framework in our web applications to deliver the benefits of mobile first development.