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the mobile internet or ‘mobile web’

I’d like to devote some time to defining terms. ‘Mobile’ has become a catch word that is so broad it has very little meaning. The term ‘mobile web’ (or mobile internet) has different meanings depending on context and culture. In developing countries with limited internet access, the only way to access the web is through their mobile phones. In other parts of the world, mobile means accessing high speed wireless bandwidth via existing hotspots set up in public spaces such as café’s and airports, primarily referring to laptop access, and not mobile technology. For the purposes of this blog, the mobile web refers to the internet accessed through a mobile device. The sites accessed can be general web sites, or specific portals created for small screens. Later, I’ll get into thick, thin and smart clients (no, they are not our current clientele, although do describe many).

Communication Art’s online publication, Design Interact has an interesting (although older) article entitled The Pulse of Modern Mobile Design featuring the work of George Williams, a colleague and talented mobile designer. This article states “So what is the “mobile Internet”? In fact, nothing new. Mobile devices access the same sites as desktop browsers. And theoretically, developing for them shouldn’t be difficult.” however later admits, “The reality is that few devices have implemented all the standards and carriers often modify sites before they send them over their networks. As a result, designers face a proliferation of capabilities that make the early Web look like a playground.”

Currently, authoring for small screens is still a bit of a challenge. Each device manufacturer and carrier have exclusive relationships with individual browsers – randomly enabling and disabling specific features. The end result is a very fragmented authoring platform, targeted to one or two specific devices. A multitude of devices with varying operating platforms, screen sizes and navigational ‘soft-keys’ have created the need to author for one or two specific devices as the target, and then ‘port’ the experience to other devices with as much accuracy as possible. One mobile designer may specialize in Series 40 and 60 for example, or will author specifically for UIQ devices. This issue needs to be dealt with from a standards-perspective, although it is a daunting proposition. The W3C has recently started a draft of Mobile Web Best Practices (working draft) released in September 2005.

For mobile designers, this has meant specialization. Most designers either work in-house for carriers, service providers or handset manufacturers. Their mobile authoring is targeted and specific. Simplified menu options specifically developed for small screens are only part of the adjustments made for mobile users. Navigation, graphic display and multiple text input methods (along with touch screens) created for specific handsets need to be taken into consideration when creating applications, downloadable content and services for the mobile web. Wink Site is addressing mobile content by creating a simplified authoring tool allowing sites such as The Standard and Boing Boing easy access through equipped mobile devices. Moving forward, strategies for navigation, content, specific use of URL’s and migration of web to mobile content will be on the minds of many companies looking to expand their service, content and product offerings to a new generation.

Posted on November 30th, 2005 in Thoughts
Tagged as ,
Written by Kelly Goto

4 Responses to “the mobile internet or ‘mobile web’”

Comments

  1. Scott Rafer says:
    November 30th, 2005

    Thank you for the mention. Rudy also suggested we get together here in SF. There are a few things I’d like to chat about in the near term. Please mail me —rafer ——at—-]] wirelessink dotcom.

  2. Kelly says:
    November 30th, 2005

    Thanks Scott! Looking forward to touching base - will email you shortly! :-)

  3. Jack says:
    November 30th, 2005

    Nice write up and useful info

  4. Fiona Murray says:
    November 30th, 2005

    Zinadoo is a similar tool whereby it is completely free and easy to use mobile website creation tool. In minutes anyone can create and publish their very own mobile website. Users get to customise their site to their own tastes and add some cool interactive features. Then they can use the many sharing features provided to tell everyone about their mobile site.

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