What's the most effective strategy for beginning the process of website design? Is it better to start from a mobile perspective or from a desktop one? I frequently engage in debates about this matter with fellow developers. In my opinion, starting from a mobile standpoint allows for a more user-centric approach, considering the increasing usage of mobile devices for web browsing.
However, others argue that beginning with a desktop view provides a more comprehensive framework for design. What are your thoughts on this?

I approach the process of website design from a mobile-first perspective, recognizing the shifting trends in user behavior and the widespread use of mobile devices for internet access. Beginning with a mobile perspective allows for a more user-centric approach, as it prioritizes content and functionality in a way that accommodates the constraints of smaller screens.

One of the key advantages of starting with mobile design is the emphasis on simplicity and efficiency. Mobile devices have limited screen real estate, and users expect quick access to essential information. By prioritizing mobile design, I am forced to carefully consider the most vital elements of the website and streamline the user experience to ensure that it remains intuitive and engaging on smaller screens. This process inherently leads to a more focused and user-friendly design.

Furthermore, the mobile-first approach encourages a shift in mindset towards prioritizing performance and loading speed. With slower internet connections and varying device capabilities, mobile users are particularly sensitive to website performance. By designing with mobile in mind, I inherently focus on optimizing performance and minimizing load times, which benefits all users, regardless of the device they are using.

It's important to note that the mobile-first approach does not mean neglecting the desktop experience. Rather, it sets the groundwork for a responsive design that gracefully scales from mobile to desktop. This responsive design approach ensures that the website can adapt to various screen sizes and devices, providing a seamless experience across the board.

While there are valid arguments for starting with a desktop view to establish a comprehensive framework for design, I believe that the increasing dominance of mobile browsing makes it essential to prioritize the mobile experience. Statistics show that more internet traffic now comes from mobile devices than from desktops, highlighting the necessity of catering to the needs of mobile users.
Starting the website design process from a mobile-first perspective aligns with the evolving habits and expectations of modern users. It encourages a user-centric, performance-oriented approach to design and ensures that the website is prepared to meet the demands of the mobile-driven digital landscape. By prioritizing mobile design, I aim to create an inclusive and effective user experience that resonates with the diverse needs of today's internet users.

As someone who has commissioned a dozen websites, I believe that the most effective approach to website design begins with a focus on content and its presentation and management. By aligning with the media strategy, it becomes evident which devices will be targeted, what content will be displayed (or not), and how editors will interact with the content.

If you find yourself unsure of where to begin the design process for a specific project, it likely indicates that the project has not undergone strategic planning. However, if it has, the design lead (be it an art director or another role) would simply dictate the starting point.

I would also advise against fixating on the PC or mobile versions exclusively. A proficient designer should comprehend the behavior of content flow and consider the various potential displays from the outset. For example, designing a table for the PC might result in an elegant layout that falls apart on smaller screens, rendering it illegible. Conversely, creating a table suitable for mobile use may appear awkward on a PC. Therefore, I believe it is crucial to design both versions concurrently, assessing how each type of content will function in each environment. In this regard, the initial version chosen for the design process is inconsequential.

The decision of where to begin, whether it be as a web designer, engineer, or marketer, relies heavily on the target audience and their choice of devices for accessing the website. Generally, the development process commences with the computer version, as this is the traditional approach.

How do you recognize the need to initiate with the mobile version of the site?

- When there are distinct user pathways for the desktop and mobile versions.
- The site's structure and content are designed to facilitate link-sharing on social media and messaging platforms.
- Following site development, the focus will shift to SEO for reaching the top of search results.
- Mobile traffic exceeds 50%.
- Utilizing a QR code to promote your site.

In these instances, the fundamental design principle to follow is Mobile First.
It's crucial to note that Mobile First differs from adaptive layout. With an adaptive approach, the desktop version is always the starting point, followed by adjustments for mobile. Conversely, Mobile First design involves commencing the work from the mobile version and progressing towards the desktop. The outcome is two distinct versions of the site, with an emphasis on mobile traffic. Additionally, a dedicated mobile site version is better ranked by search engines, as they recognize it as higher quality.