2. 1. What is different
about mobile?
Students mentioned:
• Size
• Gestures
• Tapping
• No hover effects
• Context of use
3. 2. What does/does not
apply to mobile?
Students mentioned:
• Design process applies
• Some design principles apply (e.g. Gestalt,
visual hierarchy, grids)
• Some design principles may not apply (e.g.
navigation)
4. Debate based on 2
readings
• Nielsen’s guidelines for mobile usability:
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/mobile-
vs-full-sites.html
• Josh Clark’s counterpoint: http://
www.netmagazine.com/opinions/nielsen-
wrong-mobile
• Josh Clark on Twitter: @globalmoxie
17. iPad = smartphone???
• Read–tap asymmetry for websites, with content that was large enough
to read but too small to tap. We did see some examples across a few
websites that were designed to work well on tablets, with bigger touchable
areas. For example,Virgin America's reservation page let users touch
anywhere in the entire table cell containing a desired departure, as opposed
to having to touch the much smaller area represented by the radio button
(or even its label).
• Websites worked fairly well in the standard iPad browser as long as
users didn't have complex tasks; focusing on reading and looking at pictures
or video was relatively easy. (If your service requires substantial interaction,
consider an app instead of a site.)
• Touchable areas were too small in many apps, as well as too close
together, increasing the risk of touching the wrong one.
• Accidental activation due to unintended touches again caused trouble,
particularly in apps lacking a Back button.
• Low discoverability, with active areas that didn't look touchable.
• Users disliked typing on the touchscreen and thus avoided the
registration process.
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/ipad.html
