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