This document provides 10 tips for designing effective mobile widgets. Tip 1 is to design for mobile users who have short attention spans, divided attention, and use their device in interruptible and dynamic environments. Tip 2 is to understand what constitutes a widget as a small, lightweight application focused on a single purpose. Tip 3 is to target widgets at specific groups of users and allow for customization. Tip 4 is to follow design guidelines and not overuse device resources. Tip 5 is to leverage all of a device's capabilities. The remaining tips focus on single functionality, simplicity, engagement, social features, and ensuring the widget is fun.

1. 10 Tips for Designing Mobile WidgetsRajesh LalSenior Engineer, Nokia Maemo Devices, Mountain View, California

2. 15 minutes

3. Why Should We Care

4. Today Computer to Mobile ratio is 1:4Worldwide 1 Billion Computers and ~ 4 Billion Mobile PhonesSmartphone sales estimate: 20% increase annually, today 140 million to 423 million in 2013Source: Wireless Expertise www.wirelessexpertise.com

5. Data based on study at http://www.researchandmarkets.com published July 27, 2009

7. Tip: 1Design for a MobileUser

8. Short attention spanDivided attention InterruptibleDynamic environment

9. Tip: 2Know WidgetA Widget is a small, light weight application, meant for a single purpose.

10. Mobile Widget Web Widgetigoogle, Wordpress,Pageflakes, FacebookWeb browser (server) basedDesktop WidgetKonfabulator, Desklets, Dashboard, VistaWidget EngineNative APIs< >[ ]HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, Ajax, RIAMobile WidgetS60, MaemoWeb RuntimeDevice APIs+=

11. 11Tip: 3Target Specific Set of Users

12. 12Highly personal deviceRich features specific to usersAllow for customizationTarget sport events, conferences

13. Tip: 4Play Nice

14. Follow design guidelines Justify space Do not poll data frequentlyDo not be a memory hog

15. Tip: 5Utilize Device Potential

16. Nokia N900

17. N900 Features 48 gb exp memorytouch screenwidgetsOpen GLmulti-tasking3d graphics32 gbQtqwertyintegrated gpsfirefox browserweb run timelinux osradiowireless broadbandAjaxpersonalized desktop5 mp camera800 × 480 resolutionflashInnovative designpowerful processorvideo

19. Tip: 6Focus on One Functionality

20. Know what Widgets are meant for Quick informationCasual gamesSimple utilityMedia applicationSearch / Lifestyle WidgetRecent TrendsSocial WidgetsBranded applicationSubtle advertisementsMini Web Apps

21. Tip: 7Simplify Features

22. http://www.google.com/ig/directory?q=clock

23. Paperclip PrincipleEasy to LookEasy to Understand Easy to Use Most effective designs are least complicated

24. Tip: 8Grab the User

25. 2. Make it aliveCompelling dataDynamic informationMake it interesting1. Attract at entry point Short title, simple headingsNice professional iconPrecise description 3. Get statisticsNo. of downloads No. of usersFeed based statistics4. Hear your userInclude emailOnline forumAllow for feedback

26. 26Tip: 9Add Social

27. 27 Mobile is a social device Always Available Meant for communication Interactive

28. Tip: 10Make it Fun

29. 29Add ‘Extra Fun’Delight usersGive pleasant surprisesMake it special“If it's not fun, you're not doing it right” –Bob Basso

30. Ten Tips1. Design for a MobileUser 6. Focus on One Functionality 7. Simplify Features2. Know Widget8. Grab the User3. Target Specific Set of Users4. Play Nice9. Add Social10. Make it Fun5. Utilize Device Potential

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32. 32Thank Yourajesh.lal@nokia.comJoin us @ http://maemo.org/development/sdks/