Progressive Web App Design

Progressive Web App (PWA) design creates app-like experiences using web technologies. PWAs can be installed to home screens, work offline, send push notifications, and access device features, bridging the gap between web and native apps. Design systems supporting PWAs must address unique considerations around installation, offline functionality, and app-like navigation.

What Is Progressive Web App Design

Progressive Web Apps use modern web capabilities to deliver app-like experiences. Service workers enable offline functionality. Web app manifests enable home screen installation. Modern APIs provide access to device features like cameras and notifications.

PWAs run in browsers but can look and feel like native apps. When installed, they launch in standalone windows without browser chrome. They appear in app switchers and can have their own icons.

Design considerations for PWAs span web and native paradigms. PWAs need to work well as websites and as installed apps. This dual nature creates unique design challenges.

How Progressive Web App Design Works

Installation experience enables adding PWAs to home screens. Browsers provide installation prompts or users can choose to install through browser menus.

PWA Design Considerations:

Web App Manifest:
{
  "name": "App Name",
  "short_name": "App",
  "icons": [
    { "src": "/icon-192.png", "sizes": "192x192" },
    { "src": "/icon-512.png", "sizes": "512x512" }
  ],
  "start_url": "/",
  "display": "standalone",
  "background_color": "#ffffff",
  "theme_color": "#0066cc"
}

Display Modes:
- fullscreen: No browser UI
- standalone: App-like window
- minimal-ui: Limited browser UI
- browser: Standard browser

Offline Design:
- Service worker caching strategy
- Offline fallback pages
- Offline indicator UI
- Background sync for pending actions

App-like Patterns:
- No visible URLs or address bar
- App shell architecture
- Native-feeling navigation
- System-appropriate UI patterns

Offline design provides functionality without connectivity. Service workers cache essential assets and data. Offline states communicate limited functionality clearly.

App shell architecture loads immediately with cached shell, then fills content dynamically. This creates perception of instant loading even on slow networks.

Navigation design follows app patterns rather than web patterns. When running standalone, PWAs should not rely on browser back buttons or URL entry. In-app navigation must be complete and consistent.

Key Considerations

• Works as both website and installed app
• Offline functionality through service workers
• Home screen icons at multiple sizes
• Standalone display mode appearance
• Navigation without browser chrome
• Loading states and performance perception

Common Questions

How do PWA design patterns differ from web design?

Navigation self-sufficiency matters more. Installed PWAs have no browser back button. All navigation must be within the app interface.

Offline states require explicit design. Traditional websites show browser errors offline. PWAs should show custom offline experiences.

App-like expectations apply when installed. Users expect installed apps to feel native. PWA UI should match those expectations.

URL-less experience changes information architecture. Users cannot see or modify URLs. Deep linking and sharing need explicit UI support.

How do PWAs integrate with design systems?

Web components work naturally in PWAs. Design system components built for web work in PWA context.

Offline considerations extend to design system assets. Fonts, icons, and styles need caching for offline availability.

Native-like components may be appropriate. Bottom navigation, app bars, and other native patterns suit PWA installed experiences.

Responsive design remains important. PWAs may run at various window sizes, especially on desktop.

What accessibility considerations apply to PWAs?

Web accessibility standards apply. WCAG compliance remains required for PWAs.

Offline accessibility needs consideration. Screen readers should handle offline states appropriately.

Installation prompts should be accessible. Users with assistive technology should be able to install PWAs.

Standalone mode removes some browser accessibility features. PWAs must provide equivalent functionality.

Summary

Progressive Web App design creates app-like experiences using web technologies. PWAs can be installed, work offline, and feel like native apps when designed appropriately. Design systems supporting PWAs should address standalone navigation, offline states, and app-like UI patterns. The dual nature of PWAs as both websites and apps creates unique design considerations requiring attention to both paradigms.