Mobile do’s and don’ts

Developers who have built Web sites that cater to mobile device users offer some advice.

Do:

• Spend upfront time soliciting input from constituents about what information they consider essential when accessing Web sites on tiny screens. Don’t dump everything into the site.
• Feel free to start small. Agencies report positive feedback even when they present limited amounts of basic information on mobile sites.
• Adhere to industry standard formats such as HTML and Wireless Application Protocol to ensure the site supports the widest range of mobile devices.
• Get a link to your mobile site posted on www.mobile.usa.gov so people can easily find it.

Don’t:

• Delay mobile-site introductions because you fear they’ll be a drain on staff time and resources. Agencies report launching sites with only minor coding customizations to their main sites.
• Use a .mobi extension, even though the domain was created to connect mobile devices to the Internet. A standard .gov domain does more to bolster public-sector brand recognition.
• Design sites to capitalize on features of individual phone platforms, no matter how popular Apple’s iPhone or competitors become. Constantly changing hardware technology will make ongoing support problematic.