Desktop vs. mobile design: which one to focus on?

Desktop design: pros and cons

Desktop design refers to creating apps and software installed and running on a desktop or laptop computer. These apps are usually accessed through a desktop icon or the start menu.

Pros:

1. Greater processing power: Desktop computers generally have more processing power than mobile devices, which can benefit resource-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D modeling.

2. Larger screens: Desktop computers also tend to have larger screens, making it easier to see and interact with the interface.

3. More storage: Desktop computers often have more storage than mobile devices, which can be useful for designs that need to store a large amount of data.

Cons:

1. Limited accessibility: Desktop apps can only be used when the user is near a computer, which can be inconvenient for people who are always on the go.

2. Compatibility issues: Different desktop computers may have different operating systems, hardware, and software, making it challenging to ensure that the design is compatible with all systems.

3. Lower adoption rate: Desktop apps generally have a lower adoption rate than mobile apps, as people are more likely to download an app to their phone or tablet than to their computer.

Mobile design: pros and cons

Mobile design refers to apps installed and running on a smartphone or tablet. These apps are usually downloaded from an app store and accessed through an icon on the home screen.

Pros:

1. Greater accessibility: Mobile apps can be used anywhere, as long as the user has their phone. This makes them convenient for people whose rhythm of life is relatively high and requires quick and convenient access to modern technology, services, and gadgets.

2. Wider audience: There are billions of smartphones and tablets in use around the world, which means that mobile apps have the potential to reach a much wider audience than desktop apps.

3. Easy updates: Mobile app stores make it easy to update and maintain apps, as users are notified when an update is available and can install it with just a few taps.

Cons:

1. Limited processing power: Mobile devices generally have less processing power than desktop computers, which can be a limitation for resource-intensive tasks.

2. Smaller screens: Mobile devices have smaller screens, making it more difficult to see and interact with the interface.

3. Storage constraints: Mobile devices often have less storage than desktop computers, which can be a problem for designs that store large amounts of data.

Factors to consider when choosing between desktop and mobile design

Which type is best for you? The answer depends on your objectives and interests. If you want to create designs that are accessible from anywhere and have the potential to reach a broad audience, then mobile may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are interested in designs with greater processing power or storage capabilities, a desktop may be a better fit.

Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your specific interests and goals. By considering the pros and cons of each option, you can choose the one that is right for you and prepare for a successful career in app development.

The current market demand for desktop and mobile design

One key factor to consider when choosing between desktop and mobile design is the market demand for each kind. While it is true that mobile app usage has skyrocketed in recent years, it is important to note that there is still a significant market for desktop apps as well. 

According to Statista, the global market for desktop apps is expected to reach $165 billion in 2022. This data suggests that there is still a strong demand for desktop apps, and that a career in desktop development can be a viable and rewarding option. It is essential to carefully consider the current market demand for each design type before deciding.

The skills and knowledge required for desktop and mobile design

Another factor to consider is the specific skills and knowledge required for each type. Mobile typically involves creating designs optimized for smaller screens and touch-based interactions, while desktop designs are optimized for larger screens and mouse-based interactions. As a result, the skills and knowledge required for each type can be quite different.

For example, a mobile developer may need to be proficient in user interface (UI) principles specifically tailored for small screens and responsive techniques that ensure the design looks good on various devices. On the other hand, a desktop developer may need to be proficient in UI principles for larger screens and more complex interactions, as well as techniques for optimizing the design for different operating systems and hardware configurations.

Finally, it's important to consider your long-term career goals when deciding between mobile and desktop. While mobile app usage is expected to continue growing in the coming years, it's worth considering whether you want to focus on a more specialized area (such as mobile) or broader (such as desktop). Depending on your interests and goals, one option may be more appealing than the other.

The types of tasks each type of design is best suited for

When deciding between mobile and desktop design, it's also important to consider the development process for each type of app. Mobile apps are typically developed using a variety of programming languages and frameworks that are optimized for mobile platforms, such as Java or Kotlin for Android apps and Swift or Objective-C for iOS apps. These languages and frameworks can be complex and require significant time and effort to master.

On the other hand, desktop apps are typically developed using various programming languages and frameworks optimized for desktop platforms, such as C++, C#, or Python. These languages and frameworks can also be complex, but they may differ significantly from those used for mobile app development. As a result, a career in desktop design may involve learning and mastering a different set of programming languages and frameworks than a career in mobile design.

Another factor to consider is the testing and debugging process for each type of app. Mobile apps must be tested on a wide range of devices with different screen sizes, operating systems, and hardware configurations to ensure they work correctly and look good on all devices. This can be a time-consuming and complex process that requires specialized tools and techniques.

Desktop apps also need to be tested and debugged, but the process may be simpler due to the fewer number of operating systems and hardware configurations to consider. However, desktop apps may still need to be tested on different operating systems and hardware configurations to ensure compatibility, and debugging can still be a complex and time-consuming process.

Making the decision: desktop or mobile design?

In summary, it is important to consider each type's unique challenges and requirements carefully when deciding between mobile and desktop. The development and testing process for each type of app can be quite different, and understanding these differences can help you choose the right option. By taking the time to understand the pros and cons of each type and considering factors such as market demand, skills and knowledge required, and the types of tasks the design will be used for, you can set yourself up for a successful and rewarding career in app development.

It is important to thoroughly research and evaluate all of these factors before deciding. Suppose you are interested in gaining the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the exciting and rapidly-evolving app development world. In that case, Beetroot Academy is a great resource that offers a course in both mobile and desktop, taught by experienced professionals and accessible to learners of all levels.