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CSS Framework Basics Build a Website with Foundation Visibility Classes and Column Ordering

Ryan Hemrick
Ryan Hemrick
12,759 Points
Posted by Ryan Hemrick
Ryan Hemrick
12,759 Points

Is it common to omit content in small browser windows (mobile devices)?

Just curious about common practices in user interface design. I notice that in both the Bootstrap and Foundation projects there is a lot of content that is omitted in smaller devices.

Is it better practice to make the user interface on smaller devices less-content-filled (with only the essentials) or is it better practice to completely shift around and manipulate the content to work on smaller devices with media queries?

I'm sure it depends on the client's needs. Just curious as to what a good rule of thumb would be.

Thanks!

2 Answers

Wayne Priestley
Wayne Priestley
19,579 Points
Wayne Priestley
Wayne Priestley
19,579 Points

Hi Ryan,

As you say, it depends on what the client needs/wants really.
I prefer to have a more basic looking website on a small mobile device, but for a device such as an iPad i like to include almost everything thats on the main site, even if i have to change the layout a little.

Hope this helps.

Allison Walker
Allison Walker
17,137 Points
Allison Walker
Allison Walker
17,137 Points

Actually, I've been thinking about this a lot. I think we're learning it just for the sake of knowing it's there. Sometimes you might want to remove something. I think that clients who've spent a lot of money on the project would want a good reason before they'd be OK with hiding certain elements, particularly large images of their new product at the top of the page. Then again many clients may not really have much interest in the mobile version of their site, which is a shame.

Another option would be to use a different image set on small screens, so that big complex images that work for desktop/large screens, would be hidden for small screen, and vice-versa.