Going mobile

Increasing numbers of people are accessing the internet via mobile devices. UK statistics suggest that in 2011, 45 per cent of internet users connected to the internet using a mobile phone.

This trend is particularly strong amongst young people: in 2011, 71% of 16-24 year olds used their phones to access the internet, up from 44% in 2010.

Mobile accessibility is therefore becoming increasingly important for projects aimed at young people.

You can make your research more accessible on mobiles by:

• Using mobile website building software, such as Zinadoo, Winksite, Jaemobi and MoFuse
• Installing mobile plugins in your blog and/or content management software. For example, the WordPress plugins directory has mobile plugins. Joomla! also has a mobile version
• Testing your site for different systems (e.g. Blackberry, iPhone, Android phone, Windows phone). If you don’t have any mobile devices, you can use simulators and mobile testing sites
• Designing content for mobiles. Keep content short, simple and bold, so it will work on a small screen. Use small file sizes to reduce loading times. Avoid anything which will require users to download media or documents – it’s much better to embed media in your web pages.

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