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The world is gravitating toward mobile computing. And Periscope is going with it. That’s why on June 4, 2010, the agency proudly unveiled the mobile version of periscope.com.
“Smartphones are the dominant device of the future and we wanted to make our mark on the mobile space,” said Dug Nichols, Periscope Digital Design Director. “Roughly 85% of smartphone users access the Internet on their devices. That usage is only going to increase, especially when you consider that next year more smartphones will be sold than feature phones.”
But don’t expect the Periscope.com mobile site to simply be a mirror of its traditional counterpart. Instead, the Periscope team employed its user-based design principles to create an experience tailored for users on the go.
“One of our core components going into any mobile project is to take into account the who, when, where of our audience,” said Nichols. “People look at and use information differently on a phone than they would a desktop computer. For that reason, we pared down the offerings on the mobile version but emphasized the features that are most important for new business prospects, people looking to find our offices, etc.”
Taking user-centric thinking into account, the agency also revised the desktop/laptop version of periscope.com.
“After looking at analytics and pulling user feedback, we identified areas of the site that were performing well and areas that could be improved,” said Lisa McEllistrem, Periscope VP/Management Supervisor. “Specifically, we wanted to improve our organic search results and set about making the site — especially our homepage — easier for search engines to find.”
To debut both the mobile and redesigned versions of periscope.com, the agency hosted its first-ever Thumb Wrestling Tournament. The effort featured 32 competitors who were eager to flex their digits in anticipation of the mobile space. And after much strain, sweat and swagger, Charlie Koch, Periscope Digital Producer, stood supreme.
“My thumb was looking for a worthy competitor,” said Koch. “After slicing through the competition with ease, it’s safe to say my thumb is still looking.”
