1. How, What and
What Else?
Or Mobile, What even is it?

2. First things first
● This presentation is a summary of my
experience and investigations, outside of my
role in the LGSA
● http://collaborynth.com.au

3. Mobile, What even is it?
Some mobile facts:
● An estimated 50% of Australians who
access the internet do so via mobile devices
● 8% do so via tablets
● Mobile optimised content is becoming an
expectation

4. Mobile, should we?
Yes
● Mobile internet access is becoming the norm
● It should now be a core consideration of any
web based project

5. Okay, but how?
This is where it gets interesting
● Native Applications
● Web Applications

6. Going Native
● Native Applications are written specifically
for a single mobile platform
● Two biggest smartphone platforms:
○ iOS (iPhone, iPad)
○ Android (Multiple Phones and Tablets)
● There are others, but they're very small

7. Going Native
Benefits:
● Native brings speed and capabilities that
Web can't
● Brings offline capacity not available to web
● A richer, more interactive experience

8. Going Native
Cons:
● Much harder to update quickly if there is a
problem
● Multiple phone platforms require multiple
versions, increasing cost in support and
development.

9. Casting the Web
● Web Applications are built in the same way
that your websites are
● Target Standards instead of specific phone
platforms:
○ HTML
○ Javascript

10. Casting the Web
Benefits:
● More flexible development model
● Can target multiple platforms with a single
codebase
● Can integrate into existing web properties a
lot easier

11. Casting the Web
Cons:
● Can't take it offline, users must have internet
access to use the app.
● Slower than native due to multiple layers
between code and user

12. So how do we decide?
Depends on your project requirements:
● Who is your audience?
● What level of interactivity do you need?
● Will your users need offline access to
content?
● Do you see the App evolving quickly?

13. Native Application Example
An Interactive Event Guide:
● Tour map with Audio Descriptions
● Continual internet access not required
● Interactive elements require access to
hardware on device

14. Web Application Example
Event Streaming:
● Full internet access is required
● Streaming doesn't require special video or
audio requirements
● Use Browser capabilities to provide things
like user registration and logins

15. Some final thoughts
● Mobile should never be an afterthought
● There is more than one way to skin a cat
● Native vs Web, it all depends on what you
want to do.