Here’s a list of some of our favourite mobile user experience articles and go-to resources. For our take on Mobile UX take a look at Esther’s post.
Mobile UX Principles (Google)
“This paper is a conversion optimisation framework tailored to “Smartphone” mobile applications (not tablet applications). It defines the key principles and considerations – i.e. the important things to think about – when assessing Smartphone apps, in order to identify what and how to improve the user experience, optimise conversion and better measure app performance. While this paper can inform the creation of a new app, it is intended for the optimisation of existing apps.”
Download the PDF
The Curse of a Mobile Strategy (UIE)
“A friend posted this tweet: “Does Virgin America really not have an iPhone app?” Sure enough, a quick Google Search confirmed that, as of this writing, they don’t have one. The same Google Search showed lots of Virgin America customers want to know why. People want to check in for their flights. They want to see a flight’s status. They want to check on their frequent flyer status. They even want to book flights. Most other airlines, at least in the United States, let you do all of these things from their phone apps. Why doesn’t Virgin America?”
Mobile UX: Limitations and Strengths (Nielsen Norman Group)
“Mobile smartphones come with inherent constraints: small screen, short sessions, single window visible at one time, and variable connectivity. But some of their features also present unique opportunities. Mobile-design principles reflect these limitations and strengths.”
iOS Human Interface Guidelines (Apple)
“Exceptional user experience is a hallmark of Apple products, and a distinguishing feature of the most successful apps built for iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS. Use the resources below to learn how to build the polished, engaging, and intuitive apps that Apple customers expect.”
Android Design Principles (Google)
“These design principles were developed by and for the Android User Experience Team to keep users’ best interests in mind. For Android developers and designers, they continue to underlie the more detailed design guidelines for different types of devices. Consider these principles as you apply your own creativity and design thinking. Deviate with purpose.”
Basic Patterns for Mobile Navigation: A Primer (Nielsen Norman Group)
“Mobile navigation must be discoverable, accessible, and take little screen space. Exposing the navigation and hiding it in a hamburger both have pros and cons, and different types of sites have different preferred solutions to the mobile-navigation quandary.”
Accordions on Mobile (Nielsen Norman Group)
“Accordions conserve space on mobile but they can also cause disorientation and too much scrolling. Easy design fixes improve the usability of these UI elements.”
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