Designing effective WAP sites and devices requires considering the audience, device limitations, and user location. Designers should learn about users and device features, create uncluttered designs with essential information, and consider navigation methods. Testing with paper or HTML prototypes is recommended.
When designing Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) sites and devices, there are several helpful tips that a designer can use to create an effective WAP design. It might take into consideration the audience and the types of mobile devices they tend to use. Also, may want to keep in mind any limitations of devices, users’ ability to interact. Other factors to consider include the user’s possible location, along with how and why the user accesses the mobile application or site.
An important suggestion is that the designer should try to learn as much as possible about the users of the mobile application or site and their mobile devices. This will help it design with user needs in mind. The designer can also research the features and constraints of the device so that the design is effective and usable.
Another tip is for the designer to consider the smaller screens of WAP devices compared to personal computers and laptops. With the small screen, a WAP design can be more useful when it’s uncluttered and the most essential information is easily accessible. Graphics for a WAP design are often smaller both visually and in file size. Even simple links to other information can be effective on a WAP.
When designing navigation, a tip for designers is to think about how users select options on a given device. Their devices may allow them to use a keyboard, use alternate key combinations, or use touch screens. A WAP design should allow the user to navigate easily and accurately through the mobile application or site.
The user may also use the device in conditions that vary greatly from the office or home environment. In the case of traditional website design, users are often at a desk or table, using a personal computer or laptop. The user of the WAP design may be in a moving car, walking in a shopping mall, running on a trail or doing some other activity. Internet connections may be less reliable for users accessing via mobile devices. This increases the importance of keeping projects light and loading quickly.
With the different locations the user may be in, the type of information they may be interested in may also vary. A user who is out shopping and decides to watch a movie can use a movie theater’s mobile site to show times and even buy tickets online. You are less likely to be interested in the history of the company.
Prototyping and testing your WAP project is another recommended practice. The designer may want to start testing with paper prototypes, as they are relatively inexpensive to create and still provide useful feedback. You can also test Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) prototypes. While these are more expensive than prototyping on paper, testing will more closely emulate the actual user experience.
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