WIREDGOV

Comprehensive testing highlights the challenges of developing council websites for access from mobile devices.

the experience of using council websites from mobile devices has become an integral part of the Better connected survey and the impact on overall results can be seen for the first time in the 2014 report.

The change has been introduced at a time when, according to data from Socitm’s Website performance service, 31% of visits to council websites in 2013 were made on mobile devices (tablets as well as smartphones).

In 2014, Better connected reviewers carried out the mobile survey first, starting with a Google search to find out what sort of site was presented, and then undertaking a ‘quickfire’ assessment to find out, using the site navigation, how easy it was to answer questions like: Who is my local councillor? Can I pay council tax online? Is possible to report a problem with dumped rubbish? When do schools go back after Christmas?

This was followed by a full Better connected review of two specific tasks for each council using an iPhone or Android smartphone. Tasks assessed were: 

• Report fly-tipping - all shire districts
• Book football pitch - all shire districts  
• Renew library book - all councils except shire districts
• Find out about roadworks in my area - all councils except shire districts

Reviewers had half as satisfactory an experience testing these tasks as they did with tasks they tested on desktops, and only 33% of sites achieved the Better connected standard for mobile access. This has in turn affected the overall performance of sites in Better connected 2014.

Take a look at the mobile performance preview 

The Better connected report for 2014 will be published on 3 March on Socitm’s website, and can be accessed free of charge by any employee of a council that subscribes to Socitm Insight. 

• View a list of Socitm Insight subscribers
• Non-subscribers can buy a copy of the printed report