- From: West, Mark Andrew <mawest2@bsu.edu>
- Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2006 10:23:09 -0400
- To: <public-bpwg-comments@w3.org>
I have read the current draft of the Best Practices document. Overall it is a good summation of all the guidelines (esp. OpenWave) I have been using under the Mobile Development Project at Ball State University Libraries. While I have a few minor problems with the guidelines (GIF really ought to be put on pension since most mobile Web browsers can handle PNG), I take issue with the capabilities guideline (5.1.2): "Do not take a least common denominator approach." As the mobile developer, my primary concern is to make library information and services available to the largest number of mobile users. I started with no knowledge of mobile devices; with a clunky development environment (IIS/Visual Studio/FrontPage); and with a vague idea of what devices were in use on campus. (Several attempts at an online survey of mobile devices fell flat.) Nonetheless I have created a mobile Web site for the University Libraries, that looks and works perfectly well using a strategy that the Best Practices document has labelled "least common denominator". Perhaps you can add a "How To Do It" section under the capabilities guideline, or at least explain why following a LCD approach could result in a lesser experience for mobile users. The University Libraries mobile Web site is http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile/. -------------------------------------------------------- Andy West University Libraries ... A destination for research, learning, and friends Microcomputer/Systems/Network Analyst v: 765 285-8032 Ball State University f: 765 285-1096 Muncie, IN 47306 e: mawest2@bsu.edu The University Libraries provide services that support student pursuits for academic success and faculty endeavors for knowledge creation and classroom instruction. http://www.bsu.edu/library (Web Site)
Received on Monday, 24 April 2006 15:06:40 UTC