Web Design Tips For The iPad

With the emerging popularity of the iPad, web designers are forced to reconsider how they look at creating a positive user experience for website owners. Let’s take a look at the top 5 hints for designing websites for the iPad.

Width — The iPad allows users to view a website in either landscape or portrait settings which means that web designers need to utilize a fluid width in their sites. As a recommendation, javascript and CSS used efficiently together can present an outstanding experience for users on the iPad.
Multiple CSS — While using a fluid width is preferred, there are certain situations that a web developer simply cannot accommodate the needs of the website with using a fluid width. In these situations, web designers need to have various CSS for various devices and device configurations.
Exclude Hover Effects — Remember that the primary navigation tool of the iPad user is his/her finger which means that the hover over effects that you include on your normal sites will not be used by iPad users. For web designers, it is now more important than ever to include descriptive navigation menus that do not drop down, but can get the user to what they want within that 2 to 3 click depth. However, this also can be solved by using various CSS (see tip 2 again)
Linking — Along with the navigation bars not having the ability to drop down with a hover effect, the same goes for links on the pages or posts. Make sure that the links you use are either a different font, a different size, bolded, or have some effect that will not require a hover over action to allow your user better access to those particular links while using the iPad.
Reinventing The Wheel — Keep in mind that you are not reinventing the wheel with this website design, but enhancing the usability of your current sites within the iPad device. So, maintain keyword placement, maintain quality content, and continue to work for your website rankings.

In conclusion, the iPad presents a lot of challenges for the web designers out there, but it also allows the web developers expand on what they are currently providing and truly bring their clientele to the next level. If you have any comments please feel free to leave them below or contact Impact for help designing your iPad site.

About Andy Scherer

Professionally blogging and designing top search engine ranked web logs and websites for the past 5 years, Andy has published thousands of articles throughout a broad scope of topics. With a degree in both Psychology and English, he consistently ties his work into the behavioral and emotional responses of his audience through specific writing techniques and formulas. Along with his writing ability, Andy also specializes in Search Engine Optimization, social media marketing, and brand marketing. He is technically sound with XHTML, CSS, WordPress, and all social networking platforms. Through his experience, Andy innovatively creates blog articles that keep audiences coming back for more..

Categories: Website Design