" iPad "
All eyes are on the iPad.
With it's 9.7˝screen and quick 1GHz A4 processor, it's difficult to avoid
looking over an iPad user's shoulder at an application, game or
slideshow. The iPhone 4 was also just released and uses the same fast
processor as the iPad.
These
devices are more than just fun gadgets. For businesses, they are a gateway into
consumers’ hearts and minds. Leading-edge businesses are already building sales
tools, product demos, educational and brand-building applications that leverage
the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. From mobile users to marketing
campaigns, these products are poised to make a huge impact on many marketing
organizations.
To
launch a successful business application for iPad and other mobile devices,
follow these six best practices:
1. Take a user-first approach
Many
developers make the mistake of thinking about the back-end database or functionality
of an application first. This can result in an end product that's difficult to
use. To ensure a user-friendly application, start by developing the user
experience and interface design. Tackle functionality second.
2. Design with familiar
multi-touch controls
When
developing for iPad, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. In the last few
years, millions of iPhone users have already become comfortable with a familiar
set of gestures (tap, pinch, drag), navigation commands and user interfaces.
The iPad does open up new possibilities in user experience and interface
design, but may marketers will see better results when re-creating the iPhone's
familiar, user-friendly experience.
3. Build for scalability
It's
better to build a simple, scalable application with core features than to
front-load the application with too many features. After you go to market with
a basic application, you can always add additional features. It's also easy to
upgrade users to a newer version of the application either through the
marketplace, or via micro-transactions, which can occur inside an iPad
application.
4. Be realistic about
limitations
The iPad and iPhone 4 do
have much faster processors, but they still don't compare to the speed and
capability of a PC. Be sure to design for the device and don't try to
push out more than it can handle. For example, a 3D
animation showing
a tour through the human body might look great on a desktop during development,
but mobile processors might not be able to handle overly ambitious graphics.
5. Use agile development
Agile development is a
perfect fit for iPad or mobile application development. An agile
software development process helps
developers to best meet client expectations. This is because agile development
schedules are more predictable and teams can test in parallel to developing the
application. With agile development, it's also possible to add new features and
adopt clients' changing ideas late in the development stages without severely
impacting the overall schedule.
6. Tie metrics back to the
application
Before rolling out an
application, know which back-end analytics
or metrics the client wants to measure. It's important that the
mobile application automatically integrates with a client's other information
systems such as sales management tools or CRM software. While you can capture
almost any metrics on the download and use of the application, make sure you
also capture the user insights that will help you make smarter marketing
decisions in the future.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق