Gone are the days when Internet was something you could access only by
sitting in front of your desktop computer. As technologies evolve,
people are accessing the internet through multiple mediums like
laptops, mobile devices and so on. In fact, with the increase in low
cost and high powered mobile technologies, mobile computing has become
a extremely popular concept. And this has necessitated the need to have
highly usable and accessible websites that perform well on the mobile
web.
Here are some important considerations that you should pay attention to while developing websites for mobiles.
Environment of Users
Surfing
the web on mobile devices is quite different than accessing it through
computers and laptops. This is because people generally use mobile
phones in a hectic environment, when they don't have access to the
'large-screened' desktops. And because they are most likely to be in
busy environments they would prefer having simple uncluttered websites
that provide information quickly and effortlessly. Therefore, instead
of developed complex websites with intricate patters create something
that is short and provides highly focused interactions.
Trim Off Additional Baggage
As
previously stated, websites for the mobile web should be highly
focused. Therefore, include only the bare minimum essentials. Focus on
the primary aim of your websites and present that. You can do away with
the additional information.
Be Intuitive
Users of
the mobile web are usually in a hurry. They need information and that
too instantly. Therefore, don't make them guess. Rather be intuitive.
The key to being intuitive is understanding their question beforehand
and providing them an answer even before they ask you. Also keep track
of the user behavior on the website and use the information to
anticipate their future actions.
Simplistic Navigation
One
of the characteristic features of efficient mobile websites is simple
navigation. Most mobile devices have a joystick or four-directional
buttons to move through the website, so the website should respect this
alignment. Create vertical columns of menu options and avoid using grid
styles.
Text Messaging
The mobile web is often
pretty complex for users to use and retrieve information that they have
stored. In fact, it is a real struggle for them to access and manage
the information on the web through their mobile devices. Therefore,
there are high chances that you will alienate your visitors if you
employ a lot of Java downloads and complex interactions. Rather, use
simple text messages to communicate with your users. When users accept
a text message from you, it will be stored in their mobile device and
will be with them for a longer period of time. The text message would
remind them of any unfinished task that they might have on the web and
also you can intimidate them about certain notifications.
Test Before You Launch
Mobile
handsets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and it is not necessary
that a website that renders well on one screen may display as well on
other screens. Therefore, test your website on as many types of mobile
devices as you can before you launch it formally. It is important that
your website caters to different screen sizes, resolutions, shapes and
mobile operators. Just spend a little time and money to test your
mobile website and it will go a long way to ensure that you have a
successful presence on the mobile web.
