Web Design For The Mobile Phone User

As the pace of life increases, growing numbers of people require access to the web whilst on the move. Web design and development must rise to the challenge. Thinking from the user's point of view is helpful. When reading a website on a crowded train, which sections would be vital and which could be discarded?

Some phone users can access a simplified version of a site served via a specific 'handheld' style sheet so it is worth providing that option. Inconsistency across phone browsers is currently a problem, so play safe and test thoroughly. The Opera browser can be used to test sites using its 'Small Screen' option that simulates an average mobile phone.

Designing for a small display involves using simple, one column layouts and large elements.  Links to the top of the page or directly to the main content can be used to reduce scrolling. Limited data storage means removing non-essential styling, backgrounds and images. Phone performance is relatively slow, affecting JavaScript processing, and there may be a limit to the number of windows opened at once. However, the rise of newer phones with larger screens means design for mobiles will evolve.

Styling and images may be disabled altogether by some phone browsers but clear markup that follows web standards will still appear comprehensible when reduced to the bare essentials. Our web development experts at Click Consult understand that increasing numbers of people are viewing sites from their phones and that your web design and internet marketing has to cater for their needs.