Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Mobile First? Not So Fast! The Importance of Flow and Context.

I recently wrote a post for the O'Reilly Programming Blog called "Mobile First? Not So Fast!
Why "flow" and "context" are more important than screen size."

Here's an excerpt:

Are we done with the Mobile First meme, yet? Can we be? Please?

Look, don’t get me wrong. I fundamentally agree with a lot of the thoughts behind the annoying catchphrase “mobile first.” For example, I agree that mobile devices are now the primary (if not only) mode of connecting for many markets. I also think that having some sort of mobile strategy is absolutely required for almost every product.


The problem is that “mobile first” often equates “mobile” with “small screen” or “responsive layout” or “native vs. mobile web.” Now, those are all incredibly important decisions. But if you’re thinking about the size of your screen or the technology you’re going to use first, you are designing wrong.


Of course, if you’ve read anything else I’ve ever written, you know that the first thing you must figure out is an important customer problem or need that your product is aimed at solving for real people. We’re going to just skip over that whole part where you get to know your most important users. But that’s always first. Promise.


Once you’ve done all that though, you need to start designing. And there are two things that you should always know before you even start considering things like screen size or technology.


Those two things are: Flow and Context.


Read the rest at the O'Reilly Programming Blog >

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