Mobility in websites
I have been researching what it is to create a mobile version, or section of your website. Below I will list several different sites that I came across in helping find out how to create a mobile aspect when designing a website.
http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-usability/mobile-guidelines.shtml
This first site gives you 7 guidelines to follow that will help you to organize the content on the mobile version, or section of your site. At first glance a few of them seem to go against what I was taught in most of my production classes, like for example, making the navigation different on the pages. But after reading about why you should do so, it makes sense in that it benefits the user much more to have just content there so they don’t have to scroll so much, or expand their view etc.
http://www.tothepc.com/archives/5-ways-to-create-or-convert-into-mobile-phone-website/
This is another resource that I found that talks about different programs you can buy/download that may help you create a mobile website. Some are geared towards creating an entire project, while others are geared towards more specific things like, enabling an RSS feed for your mobile site. I looked at a few of these different programs that this site lists, and they seem to be pretty professional and usability friendly. Although you do have to pay for some.
http://www.searchengineguide.com/ross-dunn/how-to-simply-create-your-own-mobile-web.php
This last site I found is an outline of steps you should go through when creating a mobile version, or section of your site. Everything starts with a plan, you have to start with brainstorming ideas and writing them down. Only then can you generate a possible firm foundation, and something to build upon. Then you have to decide what is the best way to display, share, interact with your mobile site, and how it will look to users. You go through a very similar plan as if you were creating any site, or any project for that matter. Take it step by step, and use all your resources, and dont be afraid to ask for help!
I really like the last article you wrote about, the “How to Simply Create Your Own Mobile Website.” It looks like there is some great information in that article. I like how much the author emphasized that planning is essential. That is a really good point. I’m interested to see how your mobile application turns out… maybe you will inspire me to do the same!
Chris, these are really good sites. I found a hack that would help make already made sites mobile friendly by taking out the styling and images if the user was on a cell phone. Your sites, however, help with information before you begin building which I think is invaluable. The last site, made some good points about what to think about as far as user needs are concerned. I will be referencing this when I build my site. Thanks.
i was reading the first site, and at first glance i thought, why the heck would you not put your navigation on every page?? users will get lost! but reading it through, it makes sense – the use of breadcrumbs is definitely the smart way to go. real estate on a mobile site is precious, especially in phones that don’t have a full screen like iPhones.
the last site – search engine guide has really useful information. i’ll definitely be referring to that one.