Photo credit: MoDevUX
Mobile continues to be a hotbed of action as the market tries to capitalize on the success of app stores and the consumer adoption of new platforms. However, a successful mobile program goes far beyond just the sheer number of app downloads. Today’s mobile user demands a unique and intuitive mobile experience. Personally, if I choose to invest in the iPad I want to use apps developed and designed specifically for it that deliver on a killer mobile experience.
To address best practices in mobile design and development for end users like myself, the MoDev Network fostered MoDevUX meetups and conferences. The next MoDevUX is being held right in our backyard at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner on April 20, from 8am-6pm. The event brings together the nation’s best mobile developers, designers, architects, and creative talent to discuss what works in mobile experience and design and the future of mobile platforms. Topics and presentations will cover UX/UI, structuring content, touchscreen design, HTML5 mobile framework, app creation, app markets, usability and more. You can view the full schedule and information about additional workshops on the 19th and the Hackathon on the 21st here.
To all of the savvy mobile users out there: what are some of your favorite mobile apps or websites?
--Pheniece
Posted by
Ali Smith on Tue, Oct 19, 2010 @ 11:00 AM
More than 250 people attended the morning session on Usability and Design featuring usability experts
Darren Mauro,
CustomInk.com;
Kelley McDonald,
Navigation Arts;
Craig Sauerwalt,
Sylvan Learning;
Emily Jerome Schroeder,
AutoTrader.com and moderator
Drew Diskin,
University of Pennsylvania Health System.
The session started with the question, "is the site redesign dead?” The panelists seemed to think so and proposed a model of continuous improvement (rather than stagnation and decay). Just as important as the ongoing optimization is the commitment to testing. Panelists suggested tools like
usertesting.com,
Morae and
Google’s Website Optimizer for online usability testing, and pointed out that the ease and low cost enables Web developers to test the same project or page repeatedly.
In terms of content, McDonald pointed out that content is frequently given short shrift. Though Websites are mostly textual content, the content is often an afterthought. The CMS industry perpetuates the idea that content can be automated, leading people to believe that less effort is required.
When asked about designing for the mobile Web, the panelists suggested creating a pared down site that addresses three questions that are specific to your mobile visitors, rather than simply replicating the functionality of your desktop Website. Sauerwalt also suggested that you design with specific devices in mind, since each platform does different things well.
One audience member asked about the appropriate balance of content to “call-to-action” for an e-commerce site. In Mauro’s experience at CustomInk, high quality product information and product comparison tools are the most valuable content for visitors. Other narrative content is less valuable for CustomInk visitors. Schroeder reminded us that thoughtful content really helps with SEO; it helps get visitors in the door even if it doesn’t influence their purchasing decisions.
Next up – the Venture Capital ViewPoint.
- Katie Hanusik