{"id":23805,"date":"2018-10-30T15:52:40","date_gmt":"2018-10-30T10:22:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.resellerclub.com\/?p=23805"},"modified":"2026-02-13T12:48:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T12:48:26","slug":"how-to-develop-and-test-a-site-using-mobile-first-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.resellerclub.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-and-test-a-site-using-mobile-first-design\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Develop and Test a Site Using Mobile-First Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back in 2015, an Ericsson study forecasted that by 2020 70 per cent<\/a> of the world\u2019s population will be smartphone users.<\/p>\n

Three years later, it appears the study\u2019s findings still ring true, as 51 per cent<\/a> of the total global internet traffic now comes from mobile devices.<\/p>\n

It may seem like a natural progression for users, but for designers, this further highlights the importance of embracing a mobile-first website design. And although there is an increase in app usage<\/a>, mobile-first design continues to be advantageous as it makes any site compatible regardless of operating system or device used, allowing businesses to reach a broader market. It also costs less to upgrade a website, instead of maintaining multiple apps across different mobile platforms.<\/p>\n

Just as how important hosting<\/a> is when laying the foundation of your website, you should also look at designing with mobile users in mind. Below is a brief discussion on mobile-first designs, why it\u2019s important, and a guide on how to develop and test a site using a mobile-first design.<\/p>\n

Building websites for mobile devices<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the start of the decade, designing mobile first was a strategy that suited certain companies. But as the world continues its steady march into the digital realm, it\u2019s also becoming increasingly mobile.<\/p>\n

With nearly 5 billion people using mobile phones<\/a> to navigate the web and apps, building mobile-first is no longer just a strategy. It\u2019s a priority.<\/p>\n

What this means<\/strong>
\nIn the most basic terms, mobile-first is a design strategy that began with conceptualizing for the smallest screen first, before eventually moving up to larger screens. A part of this was also referred to as progressive advancement \u2013 that is, designing a version for a relatively lower browser, with only the most basic functions and features.<\/p>\n

It may seem natural now, but just five years ago, mobile websites were considered almost an afterthought in the design process. Back then, designers focused on giving desktop users the best UX experience.
\nIt\u2019s about delivering the right user experience to the right device. And today, the most commonly used devices are mobile.<\/p>\n

Since the starting point of being mobile-first<\/a> immediately considers restrictions like bandwidth and screen size (among others), designers need to seize product key points, aiming for a lean and clean product, with certain prioritized features.<\/p>\n

Advantages of mobile-first design<\/strong><\/p>\n