The shift of content consumption to mobile devices from desktops has been swift and dynamic in the past few years. More than half of the internet users now own smartphones or tablets, screen sizes and processing capacity of mobile devices are now adequate to perform most of the online and offline digital activities. Mobile devices are not only used now for social media, weather, map, gaming, and other go-to information, but also for core functions like browsing, reading (ebooks), shopping, e-learning, financial transactions, and more.
This massive and rapid change in the way digital content is consumed has left many of the providers of content and e-learning unprepared and ill-equipped for the transition. The change is not only limited to screen size, mobile devices have also altered the behavior of the consumer. The technologies are different for mobile delivery of content, vis-a-vis optimization of the content for mobile devices, and its delivery method. The providers of content and e-learning have to align their strategies and technologies to leverage this transition to their advantage. Implementation of mobility technology needs to be coupled with analysis of consumer behavior on mobile devices and application of a suitable strategy for content discoverability and effective delivery.
The primary advantage of mobility is access to content on-the-go. In mobile devices content is consumed whenever the user wants and in any location, there is no fixed routine to when, how long, and where we access our phones. This necessitates the providers of content to always deliver fresh and desirable content, in packet sizes which are appropriate for frequent and short access. This also leaves providers with an opportunity to offer personalized content based on user behavior data. The scrolling and browsing on mobile devices is dynamic, content has to be linked to other content or drive some action and the reader should not hit dead ends.
Responsiveness is key to the successful delivery of content on mobile devices. The format and structure of content created for desktops cannot be replicated for mobiles, not only because of varying screen sizes but also for internal workings and different capacities of the devices. A fluid content is the one that fits any screen size and works with any OS. Responsive design for websites means the user interface will have a fluid layout and fit all shapes and sizes of display, without disrupting the continuity. Another crucial factor that drives a pleasant content experience for consumers is network speed. Mobiles use varying internet speed in different locations, it has to be ensured that the pages load at a consistent and unbothered speed, media elements need to be optimized for byte sizes.
Mobile apps are fundamental to any mobility project. An app that resides on a user’s screen is a constant reminder of the brand it carries. At a time when every brand has its own mobile app, having one for self is a must, not only because of technical needs but also to increase brand presence and loyalty. A mobile app is a platform within a platform that’s solely dedicated to your brand; all your content, your item catalog, library, and users’ personalized content are accessible with just a few taps. This increases users’ engagement with your brand by letting them constantly access and connect to your product/ content. The presence of mobile apps also improves other aspects of business, like customer support, sending reminders, product promotion, and more. Providers of e-learning can deliver tiny modules of tutorials through learning apps that help learners to quickly go over the lessons.
Impelsys’ Mobility Services help content and e-learning providers to achieve the state of functioning mobility and supports beyond it. It offers mobile-responsive delivery infrastructure, while also building mobile apps for ebooks and other content. Impelsys’ m-learning concept helps learning providers pack their SCORM content and deliver it to handheld devices through Reader apps, bookshelf apps, ebooks as apps, and more.
