The growth in the number of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile similar devices is easy to see in our bustling world. This trend, along with the decreasing costs of such devices, means that consumers have access to the internet almost 24/7. This all points towards the eventuality that an increasing number of consumers are using/going to be using mobile devices for their internet needs. Therefore, as a business, the design and implementation of a functioning mobile website is important in order to stay competitive. However, some businesses miss these unique opportunities a mobile site can create. Below are some tips and general points to keep in mind when looking at mobile website development.
What Really Matters When Designing A Mobile Website
- The user is likely going to be moving around: This seems like a obvious one, but it is something that can be easily overlooked. A useful mobile site will provide something that a user who is moving around can benefit from. For example, a mobile site can interact with a maps app in order to give users direction to your location(s). The general point to keep in mind is that although your user stays the same, their environment has changed. Whether it be on the go, or in a place were a more powerful computer cannot be used. You must adapt your mobile website to anticipate and facilitate the needs of a your more mobile visitors.
- Take a minimalists approach: Keep all extraneous material out. The reason for this rule is it allows for the creation of a website that can efficiently run on a mobile device; as most mobile devices have less processing power and slower internet speeds. Therefore, any good mobile site should take these technological considerations to mind. However, the tricky objective to come to terms with is that, one has to develop a website that still looks great, but has to do more with less; i.e., it will be next-to-impossible to condense a full site to run effectively on a phone. This is why it is best to take a minimalist approach. Think of the essence of the sites desired role, and design something that will fulfill that function. Also, avoid trying to cram in too many graphics, images, and unnecessary information. Sticking to a specific/single use will prevent a mobile website from becoming bloated.
- Allow Users to Access the Main Page: This nifty trick allow susers to have full access to your standard website’s information through a mobile device. By designing a mobile friendly site, you mold a unique experience created for those people who are, for example, on the go. However, not every prospect will be in this situation, and since by creating a website to fulfill every different needs will devalue the site. Allowing access to the “normal” site is a great compromise. By allowing the users to chose to visit the slower, less mobile friendly site, you can get the best of both worlds.
Generally speaking the best way to view mobile website development, is that it is not a a supplementary aspect to your site. Its a chance to keep in constant touch with you visitors, and provide them with a service that could not have been achieved with a traditional website, or can be achieved more efficiently through a mobile version. It’s also worth noting that a mobile site should be viewed as a branch of your companies site, not just a condensed version of what you already have.
