Build for the network you have, not the one you wish for.
Most apps are tested on fast Wi-Fi, then used on weak data with 12% battery. That's where they fail.
Before you call your app "done":
1. Test on slow data. Use your browser's "Slow 3G" setting. If it takes more than 5 seconds to become usable, users will leave.
2. Shrink your images. One 3MB photo can cost a user more than the rest of the page. Compress it and use WebP.
3. Make forms forgiving. Save what people type, so a dropped connection doesn't wipe their work.
4. Show progress. A loading message tells users the app is working, not frozen.
5. Keep the core task light. The main action should still work even if fancy features fail to load.
Good design isn't what looks best on your phone. It's what still works on the worst day of someone else's network.
What's one thing that always breaks for you when the network is bad? 👇
#Africoders #WebDev #BuildInAfrica
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