Mobile Development

Mobile Development

1. Responsive Website

   • Changes layout for device
   • +> single dev. project, multiple devices
   • Strengths
     • Weaknesses
       • Complex
         • Needs lowest common denominator approach
           • May X correctly or at all on some
             • No agreed std way yet
     • Tech. elegant & device 'agnostic'
       • 1 Site, many devices
         • 1 data set
           • Work on most devices
   • Designing: consider
     • How much traffic? Desktop goals vs mobile? Budget & time? Existing? Conv / Rebuilt?
     • Flexible grid (grid of columns, allow to rearrange)
     • Media queries: bits of code, allow site to ask device for info => selects best suited (eg screen size, orientation, display quality)
     • Flexible imags: move & scale with flexible grid

2. Native Mobile app

   • Designed to help users perf. particular tasks
   • Eg. Weather, Fuel Calc, Recipe Index
   • Sold/Free/Sponsored
   • Niche
   • Particular for handsets. Have to be downloaded
   • Better UX (Allow more integration with device)
   • Strenghts
     • Versatile & creative
       • Interact. & fun
         • Added Value
           • Ideal routine tasks
             • Promote brand loyalty
               • Access core functions (eg GPS, camera
                 • Paid app - income
                   • Perf benefit
     • Weaknesses
       • X on feature phones
         • Different versions needed
           • Diff, complex dev. processes
             • Users must choose to download
               • Need space on phone
                 • Must go through app store
                   • Changes only through version updates

3. Mobile Website

   • Info on the move. Designed with device in mind.
   • Can be accessed on mobile internet
   • Broader group
   • Strengths
     • Weaknesses
       • Ltd. functionality
         • Sep. code base from full website
     • Accessible any web enabled device
       • Simples, Quickest, Cheapest
         • Easy to use
           • Link content within & outside site => SEO benefits