The No.1 Question To Ask When Designing a Website or App For The iPad, iPod and Other Mobile Devices
By Anna Johnson on July 4th, 2010When it comes to designing an application or a version of your website for the Apple iPad, iPhone, Android mobile operating system, or other mobile device, there’s one key question to keep in mind above all else.
It’s this: what is a mobile user looking to accomplish by using your app or website via their mobile device?
Someone who is using their mobile device to access your site or app will typically be in a different state of mind – with somewhat different needs and motivations – than someone who is accessing your site using their personal computer.
So what is the task the mobile user is looking to accomplish? Are they, by the fact that they are using their mobile device, on the road? Are they likely to be in a hurry? Or are they likely to be filling in time?
For example, someone who accesses a mobile app in order to find a house for sale is likely to be on the road and probably eager to find the location relatively quickly, compared to someone using the corresponding website on their PC from the comfort of their home.
In fact, in many cases, a mobile user wanting to access information from their mobile device is likely to want that information fast… which means you’ll want to design your app or mobile-friendly website for speed. This includes providing information that allows someone to contact you or order a product or service from you.
Similarly, if the mobile user is looking for coupons or discount codes they are likely to be in a hurry or on their way to your store. In that case, you’ll also want to provide such coupons or codes fast.
On the other hand, plenty of people use their mobile devices to fill in time or for leisure. This is usually the case where someone is using an entertainment app such as a game. Ensuring your app delivers a highly entertaining experience will probably be the overriding consideration.
If it isn’t obvious as to how mobile users will use (or want to use) your mobile app or site, ask your prospective users and/or do a little role-playing with your own mobile device.
The main thing is that you don’t simply redesign your site so that it fits on a mobile device; you redesign your site or app so that it fits the mobile USER.
