Seven87.mobi launches!
Today I got caught up in mobile websites and (between diaper changes) set up Seven87.mobi as a basic mobile site for this blog. Not much there, but it has some links and my contact info.
After spending more time in developing a mobile site, I’ve realized there are some real usability and response issues that have to be taken into consideration when designing for mobile use. Mobile sites need much simpler site architectures, simpler layouts, link structures and smaller images than regular sites. Testing for multiple phones is important too, as most display sites differently. Also, in browsing around, I’m seeing a real need for clear labeling and more consideration for information scent… as the time cost for a wrong link is high for users.
The first version of Seven87.mobi is not pretty in a web browser, but looks okay on a phone. For some reason, I can’t get it to validate on the emulators linked below… I’ll have to work on it a bit more.
The interesting thing is that once phone download speeds get a bit faster, I could see this type of site being super useful on the go. Even for those that don’t have web access could find out relevant info quicker than a yellow pages book. I’ll be thinking of more ideas on this… 8-)
Here’s to the mobile web! w00t!
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UPDATE on the validation issue:
Turns out the validation issue is with the junk my hosting provider puts on the bottom of the page. I’ll have to work on changing that. 8-)
Charlie