Mobile First

So the primary focus of the video is as the title suggests…mobile first.  It does appear that the predictions and statistics he presented appear to have come true. Mobile devices (especially for web usage), have taken over PCs in terms of usage and sales. So many people are using their mobile devices for using the internet today. I still feel there is a place for PCs when it comes to web design, but I can definitely see where he is coming from. I do wish the video was in a higher resolution so I could see the statistics that he kept bringing up. Very disappointing since it was recorded back in 2010.

I think it might be difficult to design for a phone first, and then move on to a bigger screen from there does seem to be a difficult task. I personally feel it's easier to start large (like a PC screen) and then reduce and consolidate down, rather than try to go from small to large (like a photograph that's been scanned). I do appreciate that he goes into using the touch interface and the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the human finger. While working on the wireframe for our current assignment, I wanted to make sure that I can use it with my own fingers (large enough icons, but not cluttered) because I have large hands. I figure if I can use it comfortably, most other users should be able to as well.

I remember using (or more specifically trying to use) my Motorola Razor for using the web. It was pretty similar to the example he showed. The triple tap just to get to letters was ridiculous when I think back upon it. I think I used it to get some news, sports scores, and weather info and that was it. It was, well, pathetic I think. It reminds me of when websites were just text back in the early days of the web ('95-'97).

One type of interface that is mentioned that I don't think should be a part of mobile use is the double-tap. Using a touch interface can be awkward when you're trying to tap in the same location twice in a row. Of course, that may just be my own opinion, but I don't think I would design a site or interface that used a double-tap for its touch interface.

Speed is important!  I don’t feel he emphasized this enough. Even with 4G, you want a mobile site to load quickly and be simple enough that it doesn't take long regardless of connection. In fact, I think it’s more important in case you’re in an area with the faster speeds are yet available (something that is still true).  I know if I try to visit a site that takes forever to load; I will likely leave that site and look for another that serves the same or a similar purpose. Don't make me wait, I'm not that patient.

I've never seen a site or app use the "insta-scrolling" that is shown off. Personally, I don't think it would be particularly useful. In fact, I could find it annoying if it was turned on and I tilted my phone and the text started scrolling without my knowledge.

The last function he talked about was the use of the camera on the device for recognition. I happen to the use the camera quite a bit when I'm out shopping to comparison a product with the price on Amazon. Recently Amazon has introduced the ability to take a photo of the actual product or item that you're looking at without even having to deal with either a barcode or RFID. I absolutely think this is a very important function for certain websites. I would love the idea of being able to take a picture of a movie and get reviews or IMDB information while I'm out shopping.

Despite what I said earlier about it being easier to design an interface with a larger display in mind and then condensing it to a phone or tablet display, I do feel the idea of taking mobile into consideration first is a strong direction to go in, and definitely something I will keep in mind.