There are some fundamentally different ground-rules and even limitations, when designing for digital - and especially so when you are aiming exclusively at mobile.
I want to highlight a couple of blog posts and our PDF specifications for starters - you might have already read them, though:
In summation, a really great catalog experience on mobile requires:
- Making the most important information or action accessible and readable without having to zoom.
- Having fewer products on each page, and instead larger images.
- Larger texts. Everything (almost) should be readable without having to zoom.
- Avoiding Serif fonts. They do not perform optimally on displays.
- Using CTA's that clearly indicate their purpose - and stand out from the background on which they have been placed. (use icons - not drawn links)
- Being able to find additional product information at a click (in-catalog or on website).
Great examples of catalog design intended for mobile:
https://viewer.ipaper.io/prodigioso-volcan-1/revista-desigual-prueba-5/
- Single or few products on each page.
- Visible CTA's with clear visual presentation of purpose/action.
- Large, legible text (without zoom).
- Enrichments; animation, video and galleries help to create an engaging catalog experience.
- Static navigation (top right) help the visitor quickly navigate.
https://viewer.xdcollection.com/xd-design/dk/xddesignbobby20
- Single or few products on each page.
- Visible CTA's with clear visual presentation of purpose/action.
- Large, legible text (without zoom).
- Enrichments; animation, video and galleries help to create an engaging catalog experience.
- Static navigation with visual indication of current section.
http://avis.skousen.no/tilbudsavis/NOuge5Basic_korrektur/
- Single or few products on each page.
- Visible CTA's with clear visual presentation of purpose/action.
- Large, legible text (without zoom).
- Additional product information available via popup.
- Enrichments; animation, video and galleries help to create an engaging catalog experience.
https://viewer.ipaper.io/avon-western-europe/uk/2019/04/c04-instant-brochure-colour/
- Catalog designed exclusively with mobile in mind.
- Single or few products on each page.
- Visible CTA's with clear visual presentation of purpose/action.
- Large, legible text (without zoom).
- How To Shop guide (page 2)
- Additional product information (some with instructions for use) available via popup.
The catalog format (print & digital) exists to inspire the reader - so that you as a company can turn the reader into a customer by presenting products the reader did not yet know they need/want.
It should never be reduced to a product grid, (like on webshops) as the magic will be lost!