A comment to a previous post reminded me of the inclination of all of us to succumb to anecdote and personal experience, even when we should know better.

While I've been complaining about the way that, say, Opera Mini operates, only about 15% of mobile subscribers currently have browsers with the "full web" experience like this. And only a bit over 60% have internet access at all. Yes, its trending up, but pretty slowly.

So, mobile subscribers are three times as like to have a simple WAP browser as a "full web" browser. Transcoding and other trickery aside, these are very, very limited browsing environments. If a desktop-intended page loads at all (doesn't crash, restrict access due to cookie or javascript needs, etc.) it is often going to be difficult to use (most do not support sideways scrolling or selection, for example). So, what to do?

• Site designers and developers should keep good general design principles in mind, like designing for accessibility
• WAP browser manufacturers need to work on making their browsers less likely to crash (or worse, lock up so the user has to power cycle the whole device); note I'm not at all demanding they process everything as intended on the desktop, just that the browser recognizes there is a problem and abandons that process without excess drama
• Site owners should invest in mobile-specific sites, mobile-specific style sheets, and testing to assure the site works on all targeted devices and browser; at least assure that none of the technology used on the desktop site will specifically not cause failures in lowest-common-denominator WAP browsers
• Search providers should consider the browser being used; even if full-web results are shown, indicate how likely it is that the result will work on that browser
• Be very, very careful with your own site's metrics; if almost every mobile user is viewing from "full web" style browsers (Opera Mini, iPhone, etc.) that could well just be due to its difficulty to use -- or inability to even work -- on many WAP browsers

Next: what about all those subscribers with absolutely no mobile internet access?

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Little Springs Designs the user experience for mobile devices and services. Our practice of user-centered design means the user comes first, not the technology. We learn about the user, design for the user, and talk to the user - but we understand the technology and its limitations and potential.

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