Readers Respond: Do You Force Mobile Web Designs? Why or Why Not?

Mobile is becoming a very popular way to browse the Web, and many designers have created detection scripts to catch mobile users and send them to a page designed specifically for them.

There are some good reasons for creating a mobile friendly website. But forcing your readers to do anything is a recipe for annoying at least some of them.

Do you use a detection script and deliver a mobile friendly page to iPhone, Blackberry, and other mobile device users? If you do, do you give them any options for not viewing that page? Why or why not?

Please never *force* mobile web designs

I'm writing here as a user, but I have written webpages in the past. I understand why many developers wish to make the mobile version the default version for their website. However, in my opinion, you should *never* make it the only version. There should always be a way to choose to see the full version. Many mobile devices, like iPhones, iPads and many Android phones are not only fully functional, but fully convenient for website viewing. If your mobile website is well designed or has all information, the user will never need or wish to go looking for the full version. However, if they are looking for it, then they clearly *do* need it. There are many people complaining about this on forums. If the full website has complex (e.g. Flash) elements that don't display well, then the worst case scenario is that the user will simply go back to the mobile version. Making things easier for the user by having a mobile site should not make things impossible for full use - let the user choose.

—Guest Nathan

Special Case

I have a client whose main site is entirely Flash-dependent. There is no main content there that a user can see on a device that doesn't support Flash (I didn't do that site for them). Even if users with Flash-capable mobile devices visited the main site, it would be extremely awkward to use. Also, there is no content on the main site that is not duplicated on the mobile site. So in this case, we detect mobile devices and send them to the mobile site without the option to visit the main site. Generally though, I'd offer the option to users. It's what I prefer as a user.

—Guest Emdiar

I couldn't agree more

You hit the nail on the head. I hate being forced to use he mobile version of some sites. Especially now that I have an iPad. I hope more developers will heed your advice and offer the option to see the full version page.

—Guest Josh

I Currently Do Not

I currently do not create mobile specific css programming for the CrazyWebFoo Design site (http://crazywebfoo.com/). However, I do strive to write clean, efficient code that adheres to general industry standards. All that being said I will have to spend a little more time researching this subject. Thanks!

—Guest crazywebfoo