Here’s What We’re Reading…

UX: Designing an addictive app means chucking the recipe“No one is paying full attention to your mobile app,” notes mobile-first design

guru Luke Wroblewski. While that sounds harsh, Wroblewski explains that

the best UX not only acknowledges this cringe-worthy reality, but embraces

it in order to design experiences that can be navigated with “one thumb/one

eyeball” and a multi-tasker’s mentality. With a wounded pride, Wroblewski

suggests removing barriers to access, such as the initial registration process.

Although collecting user data is arguably one of an app’s most important

tasks, an engaged user undeterred by registration hoops will be more likely

to take the time to fill out a form later on by their own volition. Read more of

these convention-breaking design tips at FastCoDesign.

Reflections on NRF’s BIG ShowBig words, big numbers, big promises for multichannel in retail: there

was no shortage of exclamation and intrigue at this year’s BIG Retail tech

event. One interesting session, however, offered a reminder that developing

multichannel momentum means not taking it at a sprint. The “Mobile Innovation as a Roadmap to Customer Success” session, featuring e-execs

from eBay, Toys’R’Us and FitforCommerce, led listeners through a plan that

helps retailers transition from “crawling” toward “flying” with cross channel

innovation. For a welcome dose of perspective and some helpful tips for

retailers at any stage of their business’ multichannel development, click

through to the NRF Blog.

In 2014, more eyes on mobile screensAccording to research firm IDC, more than 1 billion smartphones were shipped

– that is, one smartphone for every seven people – just in the last year alone. This record number means that more people than ever are about to

see your mobile website. Your tablet site too. Demand in emerging markets

and falling costs mean that the number of devices is expected to eventually

outpace the number of people on earth. Cheap smartphones can be had for

about $20 in China and techies expect the UbiSlate tablet and its $38 price tag stateside by July. Read more about device mass buying and what this will

mean for web access at Quartz. 2019

800 M

5.6billion

700 M

5.1billion

600 M

4.5billion

500 M

3.9billion

450 M

3.3billion

400 M

2.6billion

300 M

1.9billion

250 M

1.3billion

200 M

0.9billion

150 M0.5billion

201820172016201520142013201220112010

Smartphones, mobile PCs, tablets and mobile routers with cellular connection

Mobile PCs, tablets and mobile router subscriptionsSmartphone subscriptions

300 million mobile PCs, tabletsand mobile router subscriptions

1.9 billion smartphonesubscriptions

800 million mobile PCs, tabletsand mobile router subscriptions5.6 BILLION

smartphone subscriptions by the end of 2019

SOURCE: ERICSSON

Industry Bites

Mhealth industry forecasts: the doctor’s office in the palm of your hand The Mobile Health Market is set to boom. According to a report by

Research2guidance, with the increase in specialized apps and experiences

designed for mobile devices, the total mHealth market revenue will reach the

multi-billions by the end of 2017. The research firm anticipates the creation

of many native experiences that will help diagnose, integrate into doctors’

plans, and advance the accessibility of health insurance. Read more about

what’s next at eWeek.

SOURCE: INFORMATION WEEK

The hyperconnected world became speedier than everAccording to Akamai’s quarterly “State of the Internet” report, it has become

quicker than ever for people all over the world to connect to the web. Speeds

have risen 29% year-over-year, with global broadband adoption rates also at

all-time highs. In general, though, the connected world is focused on mobile,

where the numbers are – typically – even more compelling: mobile data

traffic has soared 80% year-over-year. Find the full 40-page report over at

The Next Web.

SOURCE: TECH POLICY DAILY

New Year’s present: a cache of mind-boggling mcommerce stats Did you know that nearly $5 billion was spent on mobile devices in just the second quarter of 2013? That mobile traffic is

more than doubling every quarter? Or that kiosks satisfy users’ wishes for larger screens to purchase on? Click through to the eConsultancy blog for 50 pieces of mobile industry perspective.

Usablenet Coverage and Conversation

Looking ahead: our mobile predictions for 2014While divining the future is tricky business, we aim to strategize for the year

ahead by extrapolating from our experience in years past. Unhesitatingly,

we cry: developing a mobile strategy will become integral to your business.

Utilizing mobile as a personalized engagement tool to connect with

consumers who are turning to your brand at critical moments will be key to

success. Experienced mobile browsers will expect speedy experiences and will

quickly abandon experiences that don’t satisfy – both on web and in-app. We

expect multi-channel to further take hold, especially in the pricing game and

with mobile payment solutions offering an ever more tangible convenience

factor. Read more of the reasoning behind our predictions at eConsultancy.

Even the Polar Vortex can’t freeze mobile traffic…Visits to mobile travel sites increased 54% over the week of extreme cold

weather, according to Usablenet traffic numbers. Although the stat is not

particularly shocking considering the way travel plans were affected by the

weather, they do present an interesting user demand to travel companies.

Travelers have come to expect that companies are agile enough to present

the latest up-to-date information on mobile, an integral aspect to the always

in-flux nature of travel plans. For examples of travel companies paving the

way in real-time updates read more at Mobile Marketer.

SOURCE: THE STIR

Avenue 32 showcases emerging designers on different screensSince the launch of its savvy new multichannel strategy, Avenue 32 has managed to double traffic and increase average order value

by 270%. In partnership with Usablenet the luxury retailer has created mobile and tablet experiences as unique as the emerging

young designers they showcase. The smartphone experience supports task-based operations, whereas the tablet site facilitates

an enjoyable browsing experience. Internet Retailing calls it “one of the pioneers of how tablet and smartphone retailing is likely to

further split in 2014.” Read about how the elements of design and discovery inform a rich user experience over at Internet Retailing.

Medifast extends weight management to mobile The leading US manufacturer and provider of clinically proven, portion-controlled weight-loss products

and programs partnered with Usablenet to launch on mobile web. Intended to support health conscious

customers with weight management, the new site offers sleek product navigation, access to recipes and

guidelines and an e-commerce store. Read about why the VP of eCommerce at Medifast believes the

launch kickstarts the New Year with “a lot of momentum” over at Market Wired.

Usablenet featured in the new 2013 Forrester Wave Report!We are so excited to be included in Forrester’s exclusive review of the “10

most significant providers of mobile commerce solutions.” The report, “The Forrester Wave™: Mobile Commerce Solution Providers, Q4 2013,” focuses

on the creative and strategic values that a platform provider brings to brands

and businesses alike. We’re honored that Forrester recognized our investment in constantly evolving our

platform and our commitment to creating unique experiences across all channels. Read more about the

report on our shiny new blog.

We’re very excited to announce the launch of two new Usablenet services aimed to help increase business agility: U-Campaign: U-Campaign offers marketers the flexibility to plan, execute and easily manage mobile landing pages and campaign

sites in real-time and without involving developer or third-party resources. This gives marketers a powerful new engagement tool

– find the office press release at Market Wired.

Usablenet API Services: Using the Usablenet platform to convert any source into RESTful-based API, Usablenet API Service frees

internal resources and delivers speed, making it possible for businesses to more easily create native apps and other advanced

multichannel experiences. Read the official press release and more about Usablenet API Service and multichannel strategy at

Website Magazine.

The Forrester Wave™2013