Mobile interface design

Designing for the small screen

Mobile internet usage is finally taking off after years of false starts.

The iPhone has accelerated the use of browsing the internet and using third party applications on phones. This has caused the need for websites to be adapted not just to work on multiple screen sizes, but to work with alternative navigation methods and security preferences.

The challenges of mobile interfaces

TIP: Designing for mobile We’ve been blogging about mobile design on the cxBlog.

Mobile interfaces cause interaction challenges that need addressing during design.

It’s not enough to create a design that works on the iPhone alone – there are plenty of users wanting to access online content via other phones that have different requirements.

Designing mobile applications also needs careful planning. Understanding how your users want to use the app as well as what screen size they will be using it on can help to create a stronger design, more likely to be adopted by users.

Keeping things fun

Mobile websites need to be easy to learn and intuitive in order for users to invest their time and bandwidth in using them. Unlike relatively unlimited and cheap broadband access, users may be paying per minute for internet access on their phones. This can create a lower tolerance of poor interaction features and higher abandonment rates.

Creating a simple and tailored interface that enables users to achieve their goals quickly is the key to creating successful mobile sites.

How we design for mobile

cxpartners test mobile products for clients in a variety of sectors, including travel and entertainment.

We have our own portable mobile testing rig – enabling us to test mobile websites and mobile apps in or out of our offices.

Where possible we test with users on their handsets and in their normal environment. This helps us to gain the most valuable insights from the testing.

cxpartners apply the knowledge gained in research to designing mobile interfaces. We develop paper prototypes, working prototypes and finished designs.

Next steps:
We’d be happy to talk to you about mobile interface design. Call us on 0117 946 3930 or email info@cxpartners.co.uk.

Find out about how cxpartners conduct usability testing.