When it comes to the world of the web, the latest craze is the mobile industry. With each company coming out with new tablets and smart-phones, the interface of the internet is changing. While app development is the current rage and gets most of the attention, slowly the mobile web is coming along. One of the best things about the mobile web is that designing sites for it uses all of the same tools that traditional design and development of web pages use.
While there are many similarities of websites that are built for mobile compared to websites built for a desktop, there are many differences as well. The main factors that take on a significant role are usability, attention spans of the user, and the variations in screen size.
While the above issues are present when designing for a desktop, they are easier to get through. Below are ideas on how to overcome these obstacles and think directly about how to design mobile websites.
Easier Navigation
The first thing to consider is the navigation of the site. On a mobile device, a site must be much easier to navigate through. When developing a site for a mobile device, the navigation needs to be narrowed down to only the most important aspects of the site.
For example, when a person is looking at a site on their computer, it is likely that they want as much information as possible. However, when looking up the same site on their mobile, they may only want to know the location of the place they are looking for. It is important to determine what the focus of the main page needs to be.
Task Oriented
When thinking about what you use your mobile device for, typically it is to complete a task. You need basic information about the place that you are or want some information about something that a person you were talking to mentioned.
When you think about using your computer to look at a website, chances are the site will have many more options that are navigational. Sites on computers typically have ad space as well. A mobile site is more streamlined and efficient as this is what a user is looking for.
Shrunk Content
The content that is available on a mobile website will typically be much less than what is available on a website designed for a desktop. Some sites remove copy from their website completely when it is converted to a mobile site. This brings up the question, if the information is not needed for the mobile web, is it necessary for the other website? Chances are that it is not. If your mobile website is focused on the pertinent information, perhaps your desktop website should be as well.
Leave out the Fluff
When it comes to website design, mobile or otherwise, it is important to leave out all the fluff. Focus on the important aspects of the information that is being provided. The best way to make sure you are only using information that is needed is to question everything that you are putting on a site. If it is not necessary, get rid of it.
It is all About the Brand
Logos on the mobile web have a set place, at the top of the page. The reason for this is that it makes the brand noticeable and direct. The user knows exactly what they are looking at. While creativity is part of the job of a designer, it is important to rein in the creative juices and think about functionality when it comes to designing for a mobile device. Branding is one of the most consistent things found on the mobile web. You need to make sure that the brand is completely evident in the design.
No Gimmicks
When creating for the mobile web, it is important to maintain focus. You will need to make sure that everything about the site is conventional. When designing a mobile website there should be several questions, you ask yourself. First, is the content useful? Second, is the site easy to use? Third, is the navigation easy?
There is no place for gimmicks such as unusual navigation, splash screens, animations, and odd layouts.
Conclusion
There is a lot to be learned from mobile web design. The idea behind the mobile web is simplicity, which can be replicated on websites built for desktops as well. When it comes to designing websites, a strategic plan needs to be implemented, whether they are for a mobile device or desktop.
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