Designing Across Platforms

Overview

• Importance of understanding user engagement across different devices.
• Focus on user behavior on mobile phones vs desktop computers.

User Session Comparison

• Average mobile session: 72 seconds.
• Average desktop session: 150 seconds.
• Implication: Different usage patterns and engagement methods.

Mobile User Behavior

• Mobile users are generally goal-oriented.
• Focus on completing a single task.
• Gestures such as tapping and swiping are prevalent.
• Consider the shift in web traffic from desktop to mobile as the next billion users come online.
• Inclusivity in design: Consider connectivity limitations and device cost variability.

Design Considerations for Devices

Responsiveness

• Past: Mobile sites were mini versions of desktop sites, causing usability issues.
• Present: Responsive web design adapts to device size, maintaining usability.
  • Example: Multiple columns on desktop convert to a single column on mobile.

Best Practices for Mobile UX Design

1. Call to Action Buttons
   • Place front and center for easy access.
2. Navigation Menus
   • Keep short and simple, highlighting core functions.
3. Gestures
   • Use intuitive, familiar gestures like tapping and swiping.
4. Orientation Design
   • Consider both portrait and landscape views.
5. Visual Simplicity
   • Reduce clutter due to smaller screen sizes.

Main Takeaway

• User behavior varies by device.
• UX designers play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transition across devices.
• Designing for multiple platforms is both a responsibility and an enjoyable challenge.