In simplest terms, it's smart for a website to be made with various platforms in mind. This is the key idea behind mobile design, which greatly benefits handheld devices like tablets and smartphones. What you may not know is that this endeavor can be done in both right and wrong ways. For those that are either looking to start or join existing web design companies, here are a few essential do's and don'ts to be mindful of.
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 think that your images shouldn't be scalable. As a matter of fact, in the modern world of web design, keeping your images scalable is essential. Not only does this help the images in question adapt to platforms ranging from computers to tablets, but they help make websites look better as well. When an image extends beyond a site's borders, for example, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Research scalable vector graphics, or SVGs, if you'd like to learn more.
DO add icons. Not only are icons easy on the eyes, depending on how they're designed, but they can be rather intuitive as well. Keep in mind that there's only so much space on smartphone and tablet screens, meaning that designers must use tricks. Icons are big enough to tap with a simple press of the button, but they aren't too large to where they take away from the rest of the site. This is yet another rule of mobile design to follow.
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 think that your images shouldn't be scalable. As a matter of fact, in the modern world of web design, keeping your images scalable is essential. Not only does this help the images in question adapt to platforms ranging from computers to tablets, but they help make websites look better as well. When an image extends beyond a site's borders, for example, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Research scalable vector graphics, or SVGs, if you'd like to learn more.
DO add icons. Not only are icons easy on the eyes, depending on how they're designed, but they can be rather intuitive as well. Keep in mind that there's only so much space on smartphone and tablet screens, meaning that designers must use tricks. Icons are big enough to tap with a simple press of the button, but they aren't too large to where they take away from the rest of the site. This is yet another rule of mobile design to follow.
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.