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When it comes to real world evidence on the usability of Mobile Websites, one
name will come up time and time again – Jakob Nielsen. Probably the world’s
leading web usability consultant who holds a Ph.D. in human-computer
interaction. Together with another expert in the field of web usability he
formed the Nielsen Norman Group, a consultancy the produces evidence based
usability studies and reports.
In 2011 they published the 2nd edition of
their highly respected report: Usability of Mobile Websites & Applications: 210
Design Guidelines for Improving the User Experience of Mobile Sites and Apps
4 main points to consider:
#1 – The first, and maybe
most important, guideline for improving the mobile user experience: design a
separate mobile site. Don’t expect users to access the same site from both
desktop and mobile browsers.
#2 – The second point is
more conceptual – and harder for some business owners/website designers to
accept: when you have a smaller screen, you MUST limit the number of features to
those that matter the most for the mobile user. No exceptions!
#3
– To have a successful mobile site, the obvious guideline is to design for the
small screen. Sadly, some website designers don’t, and so users struggle to hit
tiny areas that are much smaller than their fingers. The fat-finger syndrome
will be with us for years to come!
#4 – Different
platforms (desktop vs mobile) require different user interface designs. This,
again, is the underlying reason that mobile sites perform better than “full
sites” when used on a mobile device.
NB: Point #2 is
hugely important as it feeds directly into the “mind-set” of the Smartphone
user. When searching for a local business on a mobile phone, users do not want
loads of information – they just want the key details about your business! For
instance if you are a local plumber; what are your hours, services, charges and
emergency contact number….
When searching on a mobile phone, users
actually act differently – they are searching for “quickly accessible facts”.
When it comes to researching more detailed information, for a holiday or major
purchase etc. they use a desktop PC/Laptop/iPad…
YOUR mobile friendly
website needs to be designed accordingly!
So Why not give me a call today and get started on a low cost mobile website for your business?