eCommerce goes mobile

As more and more eCommerce businesses realise the value in providing a mobile shopping alternative to their main website, more and more poorly designed mobile sites are appearing. These have the exact opposite effect than the intended increase in sales.

So what can you do to make sure you get the UX design right? 

• Think small - Always design for the smallest screen in the market. At 320 pixels wide this is currently the iPhone 4S.
• Go large - Use larger icons or buttons that are easier for a finger to tap.
• Drop out, grid in - Where possible replace drop down menus with navigation laid out in a grid. Visibility of the navigation can be managed by a button. 
• Hide it - Hide less important content in sections that can be expanded by the customer if required so the page doesn’t appear cluttered.
• Minimise - Minimise the amount of text that needs to be entered, as typing on most mobile devices isn’t as easy as a keyboard. This includes use of postcode lookup functions and specifying quantity by tapping plus/minus buttons.
• Simplify - Don’t try to replicate the main website. Provide only the necessary functionality. 
• Test test test - Test it out on any mobile or tablet devices you have access to ensure functionality works as you intend.

Good luck!