To say that websites have evolved over the past few decades would be an understatement. After all, the days of requiring computers for Internet access are over, as devices like our own phones can be used to check out websites. Mobile design matters, as various website design companies can attest, but you may be curious to know how it can be done the right way. Hopefully the following do's & don'ts will be able to clear the air.
DO take pride in simplicity. If you're looking to get into mobile design, understand that simplicity plays a huge role. No site should be overly complicated from an aesthetic standpoint, seeing as how smartphones and tablets can't process information as quickly as computers. This is one of the many reasons why website design companies shifted their efforts accordingly. Reputable authorities along the lines of Lounge Lizard would be hard-pressed to disagree.
DON'T include images that aren't scalable. The main reason for this is the growing popularity of scalable vector graphics. One of the benefits of SVGs is their ability to adapt to several websites. What this means is that they can automatically adjust themselves in order to complement the platform that a site is accessed from. For those that are just starting to get into web design, these types of images are worth including in your efforts.
DO include the necessary icons. Another thing to know about mobile design is that icons matter. These small images can be cosmetically pleasing to the eye, but what you may not know is that they make websites easier to use. When moving from page to page can be done by simply tapping on icons, sites aren't as complicated. Anyone that has built a website with mobile capabilities will be able to tell you the same.
DON'T allow your mobile site to go live while untested. As a matter of fact, there are numerous problems that can arise by not testing a site before it goes live. Everything from broken links to constant slowdown can be seen, and to say that these problems reinforce the importance of testing would be an understatement. Make sure that every asset is tested before your mobile platform is live. You'll be happy that you took this additional effort.
DO take pride in simplicity. If you're looking to get into mobile design, understand that simplicity plays a huge role. No site should be overly complicated from an aesthetic standpoint, seeing as how smartphones and tablets can't process information as quickly as computers. This is one of the many reasons why website design companies shifted their efforts accordingly. Reputable authorities along the lines of Lounge Lizard would be hard-pressed to disagree.
DON'T include images that aren't scalable. The main reason for this is the growing popularity of scalable vector graphics. One of the benefits of SVGs is their ability to adapt to several websites. What this means is that they can automatically adjust themselves in order to complement the platform that a site is accessed from. For those that are just starting to get into web design, these types of images are worth including in your efforts.
DO include the necessary icons. Another thing to know about mobile design is that icons matter. These small images can be cosmetically pleasing to the eye, but what you may not know is that they make websites easier to use. When moving from page to page can be done by simply tapping on icons, sites aren't as complicated. Anyone that has built a website with mobile capabilities will be able to tell you the same.
DON'T allow your mobile site to go live while untested. As a matter of fact, there are numerous problems that can arise by not testing a site before it goes live. Everything from broken links to constant slowdown can be seen, and to say that these problems reinforce the importance of testing would be an understatement. Make sure that every asset is tested before your mobile platform is live. You'll be happy that you took this additional effort.
