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2.4.5 The first screen
The first (topmost) screenful of any page is the most important. All often-used navigational links,
search fields, login screens, and the bulk of the information should reside there. The user can then
navigate forward before the rest of the page has been loaded, and will not have to scroll the page.
Wasting the top of the page on banner advertisements or non-informative graphics should be
avoided. It is better to place advertisements at the left or right edge.
2.5 Pictures and Tables
Downloading images takes time, and many users may opt to switch off the loading of images for
more speed. Authors should try to optimize image size. If there are large pictures on the site, authors
should consider using thumbnails for the image index. Color images should be tested for visibility on a
monochrome display. Usually, the same image cannot be used for color and monochrome displays.
An alternative text (using the alt attribute of the <img> element) should be provided for images that
convey information. A null alternative text (alt=””) should be used for images that do not convey
information, or that are used for page layout or decorative purposes only.
The table width or height should not exceed the screen size, since scrolling will make the table less
readable (e.g., column titles are not visible after scrolling down).
2.6 Efficient Navigation
The service provider must be responsible for navigation as a whole. A consistent navigation method
should be provided within the service. Each page should contain links to the main page of the site and
to the possible subsection main pages.
The back function can also be provided as a link on the page, but should not be used, for example, on
pages that will return the user to a purchasing or confirmation page.
If access keys are used, their definitions should be consistent for the main page links, e.g., “1” always
takes the user to the main page of the service.
2.7 Search
A piece of information in the service can be found by moving ahead in a tree hierarchy or by
conducting a search. Ideally, both methods should be provided. The tree hierarchy helps the first-time
user clarify the service structure, but it may be too slow for an experienced user.
Search results should be optimized to include only a few items; if more are found, the user should
have the opportunity to narrow the search criteria.
2.8 Titles and Element Labels
The title describes the contents of the display. Use of titles is recommended in WML. Titles help the
user navigate in the application because they remind the user where s/he is within the application. It
may be a good idea to start the title with the service’s name and keep the total length of the title
short. The item previously selected by the user should determine the header text. For instance, the
title “Bookmarks” tells the user that the display contains a list of bookmarks in the application and
that the options item previously selected was Bookmarks.
WAP Service Developer's Guide for Nokia Series 30 Phones with WML Browser
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