Debunking the mobile web development myths

Mobile technology has become central to web development. Mobile has grown dramatically and with thousands of different devices being developed, including six generations of iPhone and hundreds of Android devices, it shows no sign of stopping. Design and development is no longer state and desktop-centric developers need to update their skills and realign their business.

The mobile industry is still new and evolving which means there are still plenty of mistakes being made as well as plenty of myths surrounding it. There are plenty of commonly heard generalizations and stereotypes about the mobile sector which need looking at more closely and in most instances discrediting completely.

Mobile is Fully Defined

There is a dictionary definition for mobile and it is accepted that mobility refers to devices which are handheld and can be used on the go for any activity including browsing the web.  Mobility is connected to the user and their context rather than the hardware in question. This is where it gets complicated and in fact the idea of a complete definition is probably not necessary.

Defining mobile as a set of contextual circumstances can lead to sweeping generalisations when products are made. Users will tend to use their smartphone in every context, from their sofa to their place of work. They will use it for everything including making purchases and therefore developers should assume that all mobile users want is to be able to do everything they can do at home on the go and not limit the functionality of applications and websites. Desktop-centric thinking needs to go out of the window and flexible content needs to be king.

Mobile means Apple

This is an important myth to overcome. The highly experienced specialists in the field of web development in London and worldwide will understand that there is more to mobile strategy than Apple. Apple and iOS are high profile but this doesn’t mean they’re the answer to everything. In fact they account for less than half of the mobile market and other devices shouldn’t be discounted. Developers simply can’t take network speed, screen dimensions, browser or even operating system for granted and this is why responsive design is essential. It allows developers to consider the diversity of all these factors and create web products which adapt.

Mobile is Just Apps

There are many ways of providing quality optimised content for mobile users. An app is just one and whilst popular, not always the best option. Put simply, an app is basically a container for the content that is being shared. There are plenty of fantastic and enjoyable apps but it would be wrong to create an app for every project and for some companies there’s simply not appropriate.

Rather than producing an app, consider responsive web development and design. A responsive design gives a seamless, consistent feel to any product and means the website can offer an interactive experience to all users whatever device they choose to use.

Mobile has far from reached its peak and is only beginning to show what it’s made of. Developers need to harness it and use it to their advantage to make all content, mobile responsive and accessible to all.