Mobile vs. Desktop Design

Up to 80% of Australians are interacting with the internet via their smart phones. However user success rates when using mobile devices to access mobile sites is averaged at only 64%, compared to 80% on desktop computers. This highlights the importance of responsive design. A solution for designers is to implement a ‘mobile first philosophy.’ Your website will automatically reformat for optimal experience depending on the type of device used to access it.

The differences between the mobile and desktop experience and design have to be considered:

A mobile design needs to prioritise content. As mobile browsing is quick and precise the main tasks and navigation need to be singled out and prioritised. The fantastic aspect of mobile website design is that we can compress the experience to just four or five things that are important to people moving around.
A mobile design needs to be vertical navigation instead of horizontal as it is easier to scroll down on a mobile device.
The links on a mobile design need to be tappable and not clickable. The navigation is touch screen and not a mouse.
A mobile design needs to include fewer graphics and text as the screen size is smaller. The information wants to be found quickly and easily. Information like phone numbers, hours of operation and addresses should all be prominent.
A desktop design is preferred for longer browsing, writing and making payments.

Power Tip

In order to maximise the chances of your business being found on a mobile make sure you show up by listing your business for free on search engines and review sites. And if you want customers to spread the word for you give them a reason to check in on their social media channels when they’re at your place of business – have a place to take their picture in your store or offer a free dessert at your restaurant if they check-in.

team Simon is a Sydney based digital designer. He is the Director of a boutique digital design studio, Bailey Street Design located in the vibrant inner west suburb of Newtown. Simon studied graphic design at Shillington College and specialises in web design for small and medium size businesses. Simon and his team (Toby the studio dog) are passionate about visual communication in the digital environment