Web Design for Mobile Phones

Maybe you notice things more because you're already thinking about them.  At least I'm guessing that's what happened when I came across an article on my Reader about web design for mobile phones.

Yesterday, at work, a client requested that we give them some advice on/help them test a new mini-site they were designing.  Designing a website that is not only cross-browser compatible, but also usable on mobile phones?  What a challenge!  Or possibly not.  Reading the above-mentioned article made me realize that the requirements for a good mobile design are pretty similar to the best practices for building just about any simpler site.

1.) Fluidity is KEY.  Mobile phone screens (and therefore their browsers) come in an ever-increasing number of sizes.  So a mobile-friendly site needs - even more than a cross-browser compatible one - to be able to adjust to the settings of the viewer.

2.) Clear Navigation.  It might seem overly obvious that you would pay special attention to navigation in the design of a website, but when thinking of designing for a mobile phone, its even more critical.  Users will not have the benefit of a mouse, and scroll may take time.  Navigation should be place where it will be easy to see and easy to use.

3.) Clear and concise content.   As a general rule, pages load more slowly on a mobile phone browser.  Different connections allow for the transfer of different amounts of information.  Also, someone who is browsing from a mobile phone is going to be even more ADD when it comes to combing through content than someone who has the advantage of a larger screen.  Make your point quickly and provide direction to a place where you can say more on your point, IF they are interested. 

4.) Know when to just create a different version of the site.  Keep in mind that not all websites are going to move gracefully from computer to phone.  In some cases it may be a good idea to actually create a mobile version of the site.  I know that I feel something like relief when I go to a site on my phone and discover that they have a mobile version.  This allows you to have a beautiful site to view on a computer screen - without sacrificing fun features and extras that would bog down a mobile phone.  And frankly, probably gives the mobile viewer more confidence to browse your site - knowing that the frustration of plowing through a long-load and seeing features that are unusable on their phone will not be something they'll have to deal with from you.