Facebook Lite shows how data impacts mobile-first app design

Facebook this week unveiled a new version of their Android app that clocks in at a mere 252 kilobytes—that’s a fraction of the size of its full Android app. The mobile-first app is intended for developing markets and users with unreliable 2G connection speeds, but it speaks volumes about how data consciousness among the target audience can impact design.

Facebook Lite speaks to how a target audience’s data consciousness can impact design.

The company unveiled a lightweight version of the Facebook website for underpowered browsers a few years ago, also called Facebook Lite, but the new Android version highlights Facebook’s mobile-first app focus. Facebook Lite is part of the company’s Internet.org initiative, which aims to bring internet connectivity and lightweight apps to the developing world.

The new app demonstrates the impact of differing data capabilities among the world’s billions of connected devices. Facebook’s target audience is broad—literally every human person on the planet—so its mobile-first app offerings need to address the data and device capabilities of every worldwide user. The decision mirrors Google’s Android One project, which offers a specialized version of Android that accommodates diverse feature sets and capabilities.

Lightweight apps that respect users’ hard drives can help connect with a wider audience on mobile.

For brands targeting audience segments without guaranteed internet access, data considerations are key. Not every customer splurges on 64-gigabyte iPhones, and many struggle to cram as much content as possible onto 8- or 16-gigabyte devices. Building lightweight mobile-first apps that respect users’ hard drives can help connect with a wider audience on mobile.

In addition, apps that make exorbitant use of data connections can alienate users on pre-paid data subscription plans, or users who consistently approach their monthly cap. Apps with dependence on location services, or that frequently require API calls to connect with server-side content, are on a path to swift deletion.

Apps that require constant access to location services or make frequent network connections are asking to be deleted.

Instead, app development companies targeting data-conscious consumers can remove network dependence as often as possible, or prioritize Wi-Fi connections for heavy-duty app content downloads. For interface design purposes, Facebook Lite loads as few custom graphical interface elements and images as possible. From the outset of development, brands whose users are conscious of space and data use need to approach interface design with these minimal constraints at the top of their minds.

Facebook’s target audience is broader than perhaps any other company’s, but its strategy regarding data usage and respecting users’ storage illustrate a key mobile-first design practice: understanding data-first development and design can help companies better connect with their audiences and ensure a lasting impact.