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constraints
The physical form and touch screen interface of mobile
and tablet devices provide us with some basic usability
considerations. Where a desktop user can scan across a
wider area of content or hover over elements for further
information, mobile users are focused on a smaller area
and must deduce interactions in a different way. By
keeping in mind the details that define a mobile layout
and mobile-specific interactions,we can create an intuitive
mobile experience.
Usable layouts
The limited space available on a mobile screen provides
an interesting constraint in how to best display content
and interactions. Specifically, the layout needs to be
both streamlined and focused.
Reachable and noticeable controls – If related
interactive items are within easy reach of each other it
will allow the user to more quickly transition between
them. This will help reduce any confusion the user may
have around how the interactions are connected, and
speed up more complex processes.
Designing for
communication
The physical constraints are only half of the challenge we
face when designing for mobile. The other half is in
communicating information. The “mobile first”.
philosophy reminds us that mobile users should get the
same value from sites as their desktop counterparts. With
this in mind, designing for mobile communication
impacts the way all designers need to approach the
messages they are communicating.
Vertical rhythm
The first enhancement for communication we’ll consider
is the use of vertical rhythm. Information architecture
creates a sensible flow of content, however visual design
can then be used to create further clarity within the visual
hierarchy of the content. Sensible usage of size and
spacing between content sections will create a good
vertical rhythm that supports the communication of the
content hierarchy.
Using color
Color is another incredibly valuable tool for
communication, and can be used in multiple ways to
support the content and interactions.
Convey a tone or style — Color in design is very
subjective, and dependent on personal experience and
culture. However using specific tones and shades can help
convey an overall impression of the purpose. Bright and
bold colors create a sense of fun, darker tones create a
sense of elegance or atmosphere while softer hues with
more greys can create a vintage feel. Learning more about
color theory helps us to select colors that best suit the
design objectives.
Differentiating between sections — Color can be used to
give prominence to content items, to demonstrate how
items are connected, or to support the structure of content
e.g. how content is separated.
Differentiating between static items and interactive
functionality — Using strong contrasts will help
communicate the difference in purpose or connection
between content or functionality. Using a mix of neutral
and bright colors, or colors at opposing ends of the color
wheel will ensure that specific items stand out to the user.
Creating consistent color usage, for example across static,
active and inactive items, throughout a design will also
demonstrate the difference between content and
functionality much more clearly.
Using metaphor
Lastly, metaphors can be a very powerful solution when
communicating through visual design. Metaphors allow
users to quickly understand content and functionality, by
invoking an already-familiar element or visual object.
Skeuomorphism is the most extreme use of visual
metaphor within the digital space, where interface
elements are designed to look exactly like their real world
counterparts mimic real world objects. And, although this
has been given a bad reputation lately with both Windows
8 and iOS7 moving further away from it, these operating
systems and other mobile sites and apps continue to use
simpler metaphors throughout the user interface, such as a
trash can for delete, real life camera for the webcam and
envelopes for email.