Apple iPhone web development

With much fanfare, the Apple iPhone is finally available to buy (in the USA). This much anticipated gadget is expected to sell like hot cakes, so Apple have published a guide to Optimizing Web Applications and Content for iPhone.

Apple says, " Safari on iPhone uses the same Web Kit engine as Safari on the computer desktop. With the Safari Web Kit engine, you can develop sophisticated Web 2.0 sites and applications that will impress and delight iPhone users. To design a web application that shines on iPhone and ensures a great user experience, you'll want to:"

• Understand the capabilities of iPhone.
• Follow established design practices for the web.
• Adopt iPhone-specific design principles.

Time will tell how successful the iPhone is. Will it have the revolutionary effect of the iPod? I think so.

FOWD - Designing a web app with character

Continuing my Future of Web Design 2007 notes. Please welcome on stage Denise Wilton of moo.com.

Designing a web app with character

So, what is your character?

Why character? Well if you're like me, you design and develop a website, then you enter lots of nice copy. But is it really nice? How do you want people to feel? Make sure all informative copy is in 'character'.

The tone of your text says a lot more about your web app then your poncy graphics or xhtml validation.

flickr loves you

People love flickr. Not just because it's functional, but because it's nice to them - it has character and personality. Making people feel welcome and keeping them informed in whatever ways they are using the app.

Say what you're saying

Your typeface says a lot about you. Don't use large jagged red letters, unless you are doing a scary site!

Break it down

No matter how simple your app is - break it down into easy steps. Newbies will find all applications daunting to start with.

Functionality first

Use conventions - don't be afraid of these. Character should come second to functionality/usability.

What is it we're designing?

Don't get caught up with the design. Who are you trying to impress? In other words, "don't show off!".

Our work here is done... isn't it?

Once your design is finished, wait for the code, and be sure to apply liberal amounts of tweaking and refining before you move on to your next project. Don't launch a site then forget about it - bug fixing is all part of the process. Don't feel afraid to change stuff and remember, people engaging and sending email is a good thing.

FOWD - Designing for Web Apps

Ryan Singer of 37signals in Chicago, has helped create such celebrated products such as Basecamp, Backpack and Campfire. Not only is he a good designer, he is also a great speaker and I enjoyed his Future of Web Design presentation.

Ten tips for better signup forms

Making stuff up is hard

Ask easy questions first, this helps build momentum. Asking for a name is easy, asking for them to create a username is not.

Username is taken, try this…

Use AJAX to do live checking on usernames. e.g. Rockstar1966 is taken…

Keep it simple

Design the form with the minimum amount of information possible. Disregard passwords at this stage.

Words are your friends

Keep it friendly and conversational. i.e. "Which room would you like to reserve?"

Form Validation

(262) 914 - 5802 and 262 914 5802; are the same number. Make it easy to enter information in any format.

Muse Me

Show examples beneath form fields. i.e. beneath a "Company" form field, you could have "Apple, HP, BMW" .

Tell me what I'm gonna get

Remind people of why they sign up.

Kind Error Handling

Do not use BIG RED CAPITAL LETTERS, instead try this:
Please check the following:
Your NI Number.

A Warm Welcome

The whole experience should be comfortable, the first time a user signs in, they should get a special welcoming page. i.e. "Thank you for signing up".

Just give me the keys

Generate a brief sign up email, then move the getting started guide to the app.

Conclusions

Momentum, think about users, signup doesn't stop at submit, users don't worry about the tool, they just want to do their "thing" — let them get on with it.