T Layout
The T-Layout is an architectural and design concept for web applications, specifically tailored to improve the user experience on mobile devices. It features a horizontally scrollable container divided into three distinct sections, each spanning the full width of the screen, and was developed to optimise space usage and streamline navigation.[1][2][3]
Background
The T-Layout introduces
It is aimed at enhancing the user experience on mobile devices by providing an easier way to access essential content such as the main navigation,
The T-Layout was first implemented by E (e-streetwear.com) in their mobile web app layout, and it was inspired by the interfaces of well-tested native mobile apps like Instagram and Revolut.[5][1]
A study titled "Mobile Navigation and User Preferences Survey" indicated a preference among mobile app users for one-handed usage, primarily navigating with their thumb.[8] These insights led to the T-Layout Experiment, which compared the efficiency of using swipe gestures to access navigational elements against reaching traditional navigation controls.[2]
Development history
It was first released as the mobile layout of E in early 2023. It was originally developed based on six principles: user-centric functionality, lightweight filesize, HTML and CSS implementation with minimal or no use of JavaScript required, suitable both for browser and server-rendering architectures, intuitive design, and improved SEO.[4][7]
The development of the T-Layout was driven by the necessity for more ergonomic and user-friendly interfaces in mobile web applications. Its design, reminiscent of the letter 'T', emerged as a solution to several usability challenges mobile device users face, emphasising ease of access and efficient screen space utilisation.[1]
In July 2023, E formalised the concept and its technical specifications, introducing it to the web design and development community.[7]
In October 2023 the "Mobile Navigation and User Preferences Survey" was conducted, establishing that the vast majority of individuals prefer to use mobile applications by holding the phone in a one-handed grip, utilising only the thumb for gestures when possible.[8]
The subsequent "T-Layout Experiment", designed to measure the time in seconds and the distance (user effort) in pixels, required to access navigational elements by traditionally tapping on fixed-positioned controls compared to swiping anywhere on the screen. The results proved that swipe gestures require less time and much less effort.[2]
Styling and features
The main characteristic of the T-Layout is its horizontal scrolling feature, which can improve navigation efficiency while preserving the functionality of traditionally structured user interfaces.[5]
Its Implementation can be achieved with a combination of HTML and styling with CSS as well as precompiled
Although principally each section in the layout has a distinct role and facilitates specific types of content, the T-Layout as a concept is versatile, and it is adaptable allowing modifications in the layout or how it's implemented to cater to the specific needs of different applications.[8]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "The Future of Mobile Web Design: The Impact of the T Layout". Witans, University of South California. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
- ^ a b c Tsinalis, Jacob (2023-11-02). "T Layout: Enhancing Mobile User Experience through Innovative Web Design". Academia.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ "T Layout". E. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ a b c Dobie, Emma (2023-10-05). "Comprehensive Guide to Implementing the T Layout in Web Applications". Pressbooks, University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
- ^ a b c "T Layout: A Review of its Impact on Mobile Web Application Design". tagteam.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
- ^ "T Layout Technical Specifications". E. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ .
- ^ a b c "Understanding Mobile User Preferences: An Analysis of the Mobile UX Survey - Stanford SpanLabWiki". web.stanford.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
External links
- The T Layout Experiment. E. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
- Mobile UX Preferences Survey. E. Retrieved 2024-01-06.