June 2010

It’s true: the mobile web is taking over the world, and by 2015, many predict it will be larger than desktop Internet use. It’s no wonder everybody’s racing to build mobile versions of their websites.

Some are simply better than others, though. While many companies just build stripped-down versions of their current sites with a few links and maybe an image, others have taken the time and energy to really think about the advantages of mobile and truly become destinations that can be accessed on any platform. These well-designed mobile sites provide a glimpse into what we can expect in the future.

For now though, here are six examples of brilliantly designed mobile sites, chosen from six different verticals. We couldn’t cover them all, so we encourage you to add your own favorites in the comments below.

1. Media: CBS.com

It took about 10 seconds for me to go from loading the homepage to watching a full episode of MacGuyver on CBS.com.

CBS is amazing to behold on a smartphone. It presents you with exactly what you want: TV shows. On both Android and the iPhone, it took only two clicks to play clips from hot shows such as NCIS or stream full episodes of classic shows such as Star Trek. There’s no way around it: it makes you want to keep coming back.

While NBC doesn’t boast full TV episodes, its video library is also easy to access via mobile.

2. Social: 0.Facebook.com

Facebook was presented with a dilemma in its neverending campaign of global expansion: how could it expand on mobile platforms internationally, when most nations charge an arm and a leg for wireless data?

The answer: Facebook Zero, a completely stripped-down version of the world’s largest social network. While it has almost all of the functionality of Facebook.com — status updates, news feeds, profiles, etc. — that’s not what makes it brilliant. What makes it brilliant is that use of 0.Facebook.com is free in 45 countries via over 50+ wireless operators through various deals the company has cut.

The result: a free and accessible version of Facebook for millions of people in emerging markets.

3. Productivity: m.dropbox.com

Dropbox has a great iPhone app and an Android app that’s just as good, but the mobile site version of the popular file-hosting service isn’t far behind.

It doesn’t matter what type of phone you have: you’re going to be able to access Dropbox. The website is smart enough to give you the right interface, providing you immediate access to your files, photos, and Dropbox activity history. The service’s ubiquity and usefulness across multiple platforms is what makes it brilliant.

4. Photography: m.Flickr.com

If you want simplicity and beauty in one package, then Flickr’s mobile interface is definitely a gold standard. Not only is it easy to navigate, but it places the focus on the only thing you probably care about: the photography.

Still, beyond the ability to browse, explore, and search for photography, Flickr’s mobile site lets you access your account, manage your albums, and view your activity stream. The only thing it can’t do: upload photos. You’re going to need an app for that.

5. Sports: ESPN.com

When it comes to being ahead of the technological curve, ESPN has consistently been setting the pace. The mobile versions of ESPN are no different.

The Disney-owned sports broadcasting company has versions optimized for nearly every mobile platform, and they all carry the most important sports stories of the day. However, ESPN’s mobile versions, especially the Android and iPhone versions, also contain video highlights, up-to-date sports scores, fantasy sports info, and a streamlined interface that lets you browse based on your favorite sport or team. It’s simply one of the best-built and easy-to-use mobile sites around.

6. Search: Google.com

You can’t have a list of brilliant mobile sites and not include Google.com. The search giant has managed to pack a ton of functionality into a tiny little package.

The familiar sparse interface of Google Search is still there, but through the mobile site, you can quickly pull up Google Maps, find local restaurants and destinations (if you phone has geolocation), watch YouTube videos, check Gmail, browse through your news feeds, translate on-the-fly, post updates to your Google Buzz account, and a great deal more.

Google for mobile is simply one of the best-engineered mobile interfaces around. It’s designed to do countless tasks while keeping the design simplistic. It succeeds in spades.

What’s Your Favorite Mobile Site?

It’s your turn: what mobile sites do you think are brilliant? Which ones catch your eye or stand out from the rest?

Let us know your answer in the comments.

This series is supported by Webtrends Mobile Analytics. Webtrends Mobile Analytics lets you monitor the adoption and usage of your mobile apps and mobile sites. It provides near limitless customization in terms of the data gathered and depth of analysis across iPhone, Android and Blackberry. And the data resides side-by-side with your website analytics. To keep up with Webtrends Mobile, add their blog to your RSS reader.

More About: cbs, ESPN, facebook, Facebook Zero, features, Google, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Sites and Apps Series, mobile web

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