enterprise mobile applications,one-size does not fit all

having an enterprise mobile strategy is important

in some cases, a necessity

it is rapidly becoming the default way to access

information

http://gigaom.com/2010/04/12/mary-meeker-mobile-internet-will-soon-overtake-fixed-internet/

and needs to be well thought through

it is not just a case of 're-hashing' current desktop

applications to mobile devices.

sometimes referred as the 'mini-me' approach

we do not do the 'mini-me' approach

like some do

'mini-me' development is lazy

it looks ugly

with poor usability

and no one will use it

so the problem in building mobile applications for the

enterprise

is not in the technology

but in the design

just what is good design?

give users what they want, when they want it.

the ability to easily access their data anywhere, anytime

for us, that means 

approach design as a information-architecture

problem

not a technology problem

enterprise mobile applications should

allow users to simply navigate and make decisions

users do not want to dig through a complex application

to find the tiny bit of information they want

so in building a 'mini-me' application

you are wasting your time

and money!

design a unique mobile content model

understand the available hardware features

educate the intended users on the hardware features

compass, gps, 3g, wi-fi, microphone, images, video

++ more

build ideas with the userspromote innovation

brainstorm new features to enhance the business

requirements

think about

new ways of working

new way to streamline current processes

new ways to visualise your data

but never, ever

over 'feature' an application

evaluate all the requirement features and then ask

do you really need this on a mobile platform?

'feature' overload leads to

an extremely complex application

that no-one will use

and it will fail

make it usable

mobile hardware come in all shapes and sizes

laptop, tablet, smart phone

portrait and landscape screens

some have touch-screens, some have micro keyboards,

some have both!

what is the optimal way for the user to perform a task?

human-computer interaction analysis is crucial for product

adoption

provide the user with the easiest way to complete their

task

with the least number of steps

four: do not forget the design

your mobile workers are just as important, never forget that!

design is important

ask apple

spending time in usability

means little if the application does not look sexy

a good looking, well designed application

draw the user to it

the user wants to be seen using it

so, to summaise

innovate and think creative.

define a clear information architecture.

create compelling and usable mobile content, or don't bother

is available all the time

design for the platform.it is called mobile design, not

'mini-me' design.

contact

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