Passive media: Design Concept of mobile applications

BKJIA Internet headlines in May 9, 2013: mobile developers often have a common misunderstanding that mobile devices are just an extension of laptops, I even think that a mobile device is only a small version of a traditional laptop or desktop computer ". Obviously, we are using different methods for traditional computers and mobile devices. Traditional computers represent active media lean-forward, while mobile devices represent passive media lean-back ). In this article, we will talk about how to understand that mobile media is a passive media and how to create better mobile apps.

Lean-back passive media introduction

First, let's review how we usually use mobile devices. Generally, we use mobile devices in a comfortable environment, such as sitting on a sofa or queuing for shopping. However, we will use traditional computers in completely different environments, such as in formal work scenarios. On the contrary, we seldom use computers to entertain or relax in formal occasions. Because in the long term, although not absolute), entertainment consumption will occur more on mobile devices in the future. This cultural trend will change our experience with the media.

Lean-forward active media) VS Lean-back (passive Media)

What are their meanings? What are the differences between them? First, the Lean-forward active media emphasizes more ways of interaction. Traditional Web pages are not on mobile devices. When we use computers, we usually participate more in their interactions, because it is very easy to perform complex and in-depth interactions, such as conducting interactions between users on forums. Lean-back passive media is a media with a low or even no interaction level. For example, traditional TV is a good example. The traditional TV lacks interactive means, and the current situation has changed. For example, digital TV provides a variety of interactive means. However, TV is still regarded as passive media because of its limited interaction means.

Relationship between Lean-back passive media and mobile application design

What is the relationship between Lean-back passive media and mobile application design? First, it would be a good start if we can understand why mobile devices use passive media. We do not expect users to perform complex operations on mobile devices or participate in complex interactions, especially when only one mobile phone is used. Apps like Flipboard and Tumblr are popular because of simple operations. However, most of the content in traditional computers is obviously easier to create on desktops/laptops) but browsing on mobile devices is a contradiction.

Example of Lean-back passive media in mobile applications

The following lists some well-known apps in the "Lean-back" category in mobile apps.

The most famous Lean-back type applications belong to the video class. For example, in a famous youtube app, users can only passively watch videos in one way, and the interaction method is limited.

Foursquare is another good lean-back application with few interactive methods, but it is designed with powerful functions and easy to operate, users can easily find friends nearby to know their movements.

The fruit cutting game and the angry bird game that everyone is familiar with are all successful lean-back applications. In these games, user operations are very simple, but they have gained great entertainment, which proves that simple interaction methods can still be very interesting.

Example of a Lean-forward mobile app

Of course, many mobile applications belong to the lean-forward Active class. Does this mean these applications are not good? Of course not. They only have different positioning. people also need to use this type of application in different occasions. This type of application requires more interaction.

The mobile app in "Jamie's recipe" is a mobile app that guides users to cook. When using this type of app, the user must watch the mobile phone while cooking in the kitchen, and then click the next step after completing a step, which is a mobile app with strong interactivity.

Sometimes, developers migrate applications that are easy to use on traditional desktop computers to mobile devices, which are also lean-forward applications. For example, the app name in "Tapatalk" is a forum app running on a mobile device. Although there may not be many users on the mobile platform on the desktop, it is necessary to successfully migrate an application originally running on a traditional computer to the mobile platform, it is very difficult.

In addition, not all mobile game applications belong to the lean-back type. For example, a mobile game application named "Undercroft" is a policy-based game, this type of game requires more complex navigation, gestures, and interaction between different types of roles, and is unlikely to take the lean-back path completely.

Inspiration for Mobile Application Design

First, as a mobile application developer, you must be aware of the scenarios used by the developed applications. Obviously, developers need to design the functions of applications to make users feel simple and easy to use. Does this mean that it is difficult to integrate interaction functions into applications? This is not too difficult, but more thinking is needed. For example, the designed functional interface should be clear and easy to use, so that users can easily perform operations, such as the "like" button in Facebook and the "Share" button in Tumblr applications. Developers cannot expect users to record some content with a pen while using traditional computers. The following are important points:

• Users who want to get a better user experience on mobile devices must be more effort-saving

• User participation and interaction should be simple and beneficial, and do not do useless work

• Retain simple, limited, and interesting gesture operations such as Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja)

• Create visual coherence to guide the user's eyes and actions

• Convenient and quick content browsing

• Reduces navigation gestures and predicts user operations

• All operations should be simple! If no operation is available, cut it down in the design phase.

Summary

This article briefly introduces lean-back passive media and lean-forward active media, and points out that most mobile apps are lean-back passive media. Of course, it cannot be said that all mobile users like to use lean-back applications on mobile devices, but it is undeniable that mobile devices have various limitations, in terms of interaction, we should pursue the principle of simplicity and beauty, which will save time, traffic, and good user experience.