In her new book "Mobile Web Design," Los Angeles web design expert, author and trainer Janine Warner demonstrates in detail how to adapt the design of an existing site to mobile. The unique considerations needed for mobile devices include small screen sizes, lighting/glare, usability, and more. Streamlining content and guiding visitors through a mobile site prove essential to the visual layout.
As part of my interview with the dynamic, enthusiastic, and informative Janine, we discussed the importance of visual layout and the new crucial design aspects designers need to consider:
L.C. What do you consider the most significant visual layout aspects of adapting the design of an existing site to mobile?
J.W.
1. Keep pages light -- limit text and images on each page to no more than 2 or 3 small screenfulls of content.
2. Create designs with one column of information -- multi-column layouts just don't fit on small screens.
3. Make links big and easy to click on -- remember most cell phone users struggle with 'fat finger' syndrome.
4. Use colors with good contrast to make sure you designs are easy to read in low and bright light -- then test your designs inside in low light and outside in bright light to make sure they're readable.
5. Put navigation menus as the bottom of the screen, not the top. Navigation links take up too much room on a mobile screen. Instead, include a Menu link at the top of each page that jumps down to the link options at the bottom.
Please check back soon for part III of this practical and intriguing interview with the insightful Janine as we discuss HTML5, CSS 3, and more on mobile web design!
Comments
Crucial insights- so well presented. Love this interview and look forward to more!!!
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