Web Design For Mobile Devices- Click here http://bit.ly/kiDG54 for full article

Web Design For Mobile Devices- Click here http://bit.ly/kiDG54 for full article

More and more people are using the internet on mobile devices: smartphones, not-so-smart phones, multipurpose gaming devices, and tablets. It's becoming increasingly important for websites to cater to mobile users. This can be accomplished in a number of ways: by focusing on the core features that mobile users want, by creating an experience that's friendly for mobile situations, and by designing an interface that makes sense for mobile devices.

The first step to designing a website for mobile devices is to figure out through website analytics what percentage of the existing users are mobile and why. If mobile traffic is insignificant, then it may suffice to make sure that the site's critical information and basic functionality work on modern mobile devices. However, if a large percentage of users are mobile or if the website could greatly increase its functionality and appeal in a mobile environment, it's probably worth creating a dedicated mobile website.

If possible, input should be collected from the site users determining why they use the site on a mobile device, what devices they use, what features of the site they favor, and how these could be easier to use on the go. This will enable features to be prioritized and clear away clutter that would only distract the mobile user. Mobile users often have one of three mindsets: completing small tasks, finding out information about what's around them, or staving off boredom. Which mindset a mobile website should cater to depends on its original functionality and purpose.

There are a number of concrete design principles that mobile websites should adhere to. Flash should be avoided, as it is not supported at all by Apple devices or lower-end phones. Cookies, Ajax, and HTML5 Canvas elements have become usable on recent smartphones and tablets but may not work on older or lower-end devices. Mobile devices have much smaller screen resolutions than the average desktop or laptop, so mobile websites need simpler layouts. Scrolling should be avoided if possible. However, for complex websites with heavy content or interactivity, elements should be vertically arranged to make scrolling-based navigation intuitive. To support touchscreens, all links and buttons should appear at least 30 pixels wide and high.

Mobile web design may seem difficult. However, keeping in mind what the user will see and experience and sticking to solid mobile design principles will ensure a great mobile experience.