Mulitple Devices Considerations for an Elearning Game Developer

The types of technology that most people have at their fingertips today are vast. From smartphones to tablets, laptops, and desktops, Macs and PCs, there are a number of options.

The challenge for elearning developers today is designing games that will work just as well on a PC as they do on a smartphone. But it’s a necessary challenge because a desktop computer is no longer the only way that most people access the internet. Emails, text messages, and other communications are more easily done using a portable, smaller device that’s always available, like their smartphones and tablets.

What elearning developers should think about

A learning game isn’t going to work to its fullest potential if it can’t be accessed on different devices. A game that can be started on a PC and then continued later on a tablet provides a continuity and ease that make elearning games truly great avenues for learning.

Here are some considerations for developers to think about:

Cover all the bases. Employees will have a mix of devices. Make sure that the design is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems. Creating a game that is only for an Apple device or works specifically for Android will leave out an entire group of users. There’s also the fact that someone may use a PC at work, but have an iPad or iPhone. By developing elearning that can be accessed on multiple devices, you can ensure that no one is left out.
Be aware of what a device can and can’t do. What seems like a great idea on a desktop computer may not translate so well to a smartphone. Be especially conscious of the little details. Think about the differences between the use of a mouse with a PC or Mac and the touchscreen nature of a tablet or smartphone. A mouse can click on something much smaller than a finger can touch on a smartphone screen. In addition, consider things like the audio and video choices that can quickly drain the batteries of handheld devices.
Don’t put all your eggs in the wifi basket. Don’t depend on the fact that a wifi connection will always be available when users want to play the game on a handheld device. The nature of some workers’ jobs requires them to travel frequently, sometimes to areas that don’t have a reliable connection. Creating the game as an app eliminates the necessity for an internet connection in order to play.

Developers, clients, and consumers all win

Elearning developers benefit from creating games that can be accessed on multiple devices by opening up their services to a wider market. The client wins by being able to offer a learning experience to their team of employees that will be compatible with whatever devices they use. The consumer wins because they will benefit from the increased knowledge and preparedness of the company representatives they work with.

Mobile devices are capable for so much more than texting and sending pictures in today’s world. Real business and real learning are happening from the smartphones people carry in their pockets. It only makes sense for elearning developers to encompass all types of technology.