Bug Blog

Keep it simple

Virtual keyboards aren’t as easy to use as the real thing, so avoid the need to enter text, whenever possible. Use drop down menus for complex actions and toggle icons for simple actions. Always use the least complex input method that will accomplish the task.

Good mobile design is clear, intuitive and inviting. Simplify design and avoid confusing images, colour schemes and fonts.

Keep it easy

This is especially true of navigation. Navigation labels should be unambiguous. Menu items should be intuitively understandable and functions should be obvious. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure that visitors always have an easy way to get back to your homepage, as people often use the homepage as a stable point from which to search. And test for usability before your site goes online. The only way to tell if your mobile site is easy to use, is to test it.

Know what potential customers are looking for

Be aware of the niche culture surrounding your products. Know what’s popular and what is important to customers and help your customers find what they are looking for by presenting pertinent information. It’s never a good idea to treat your website like one of those throwaway snail mail catalogues.

Keep it streamlined

If customers must enter numbers, then provide them with a number pad. Use simple forms that are easy to move through and advance automatically from one field to the next. Forms should also be easily correctable, if the customer makes a mistake.

Keep your calls to action clear and provide an easily understandable user path that enables customers to reach their goals.

Prioritize your tasks

The most important information should be the easiest to find, because potential customers will judge your site based on how easily they can find what they are looking for. Which means that it’s also a good idea to keep a search box easily visible.

Keep it human

Provide genuinely useful content, not empty fluff or a perpetual sales pitch. Help customers filter search results by informing them of the number of search results ahead of time and don’t be afraid to ask a few questions to ensure that they get what they are looking for.

Keep it customer oriented

Focusing on your potential customer’s mobile site experience through user testing and careful evaluation of usability will pay dividends in the form of conversions. Realize that new visitors will be unfamiliar with your site and help them to browse without the need to provide personal information right up front, and assure a quality user experience with usability testing.

Giving your visitors a pleasant and productive mobile user experience is crucial to online success.