With the ever-increasing number of mobile device users and growing sales of smart phones and tablet computers, the need to design and develop websites with the mobile user in mind is shifting from an advanced benefit to a business necessity. Designing or re-designing websites for mobile accessibility is becoming a more in-depth and technically advanced process as the mobile market expands and businesses fight to keep with a faster demand for informative user experience. However, with the expanded capabilities of smartphones and other wireless devices, some wonder what the point of mobile web design is when most mobile browsers are capable of showing any, regular site? At the core of the answer to these concerns is User Experience. Faster loading times and compatibility are what create a successful mobile site and despite the demands and quick pace, there are several approaches that have proven, since the beginning of the mobile revolution, to engage consumers and create on-demand accessible mobile sites.

Designing for Mobile
The emerging design choices for 2011 are focused on simple color schemes. Picking one color for your site and using the related shades or easy-to-read contrasting font colors are in line with the simplicity needed to make impacting mobile sites. Basic color choices and intuitive designs focused on responsiveness are what will help shape future UX. Whether the website is being altered for mobile access or a new mobile site is being developed, businesses should work closely with their design team or agency to help create the ‘feel’ and tone of their site through smart and simple design choices that represent their brand and help their audience.

Content
It’s a well-known fact that in 2011, content is king. But how does well written and engaging content translate to the mobile experience? Websites have the space and ability to produce a variety of content and access points, but the mobile content should be designed for those on the go. Strip wording down to the necessities. What do my consumers need to know about this product or service to encourage action? Even short sentences can be well tailored to not be boring.

Organization and Navigation
Organization of content is important too. Screens are smaller and harder to read which makes scrolling cumbersome for the viewer. It’s important to note that navigation on a mobile device is done by fingertip. The ability to shift or transition to related information is a must and many sites would benefit by simplified layout using horizontal scrolling or a flip-like ability- how one would read through a magazine. Also note that sites will have altered viewing orientations and the site should be able to maintain organization and navigation regardless of being viewed horizontally or vertically.

Images
To include or not to include? When it comes to images within mobile websites, it is dependent upon placement, size, etc. Logos and other brand related images should, of course, be included, ideally near the top of the pages. There are other tools like the QR, or Quick Response, uses barcodes to be scanned by smart phones and the related products pulled up. Tools like these are keeping mobile sites simple while allowing more detailed product or service information to pop up when wanted.

Mobile internet access is projected to surpass access via traditional computers. As this shift begins and mobility becomes the common denominator, remember that easy-to-use mobile websites with the option to view the traditional site are developed with the user in mind.