Are people really going to buy something because they saw an app on their phone that made them think of X? Do the apps make anyone's life any easier? Solve any real problems? Make any real capital? So far, er... no. Well, the map thing might be useful if your street directory is a little out-of-date, but then you'd better be within range of the nearest 3G tower or there's really no point. 

As someone who works from home, I've really got no need for the iPhone, or it's apps, though email would be cool. Which drives me ever-so-slowly back to the point - how do companies make sense, and then make money, out of the ever-changing emerging technologies of the internet? The answer is of course simple and it comes straight from mum.

If you ever went grocery shopping with my mum (and why wouldn't you), you'd know she always had a list. Accountants and home-ec teachers have been on about this for years - if you don't have a list you'll be putty in the hands of the evil advertisers. If you need it, buy it. If you don't, it won't be on the list. 

Business can take the same approach. Rather than being led by the shiny new gadgets, apps and services, take charge - write a list. What purpose does the internet serve in your business model. Where does it fit into your communication plan? How are your audiences met by your online information? Create a list of needs, and then shop for apps, services and gadgets that fill those business driven needs. Nothing else. 

Mum would be proud.

The basic design direction was set by the old site, but I wanted to let the new collection stand on it's own, and also allow Poppies to promote this part of their business as a unique entity. The new colour scheme and soft textures give the site a gentle feel, giving free reaign to the beautiful new products.

Interaction

Beneath the clean and simple design lies some powerful interactivity, that rewards exploration. Clicking on the various items gives more information and additional images, while ordering and cost aclculation are handled on the fly using a sliding panel. 

In addition to a standard ordering process the site called for a second 'sample pack' mechanism, allowing potential customers to order some of the range at a reduced price.

Take a look at the Case Study or launch into the live site at www.poppiesforgrace.com/weddings

Frankly I'm suprised it's taken this long. Phones have been around for ages now, and it was obvious from a few years ago that mobile would become  a key growth channel in the newly individualised internet. All that was left was for a half decent platform to become available to render the differences between handsets merely cosmetic. 

Of course in this are the seeds of yet another Apple vs the rest of the world battle, with everyone else (well, everyone who matters) opting to release their core code for free while Apple cling to their diamond, allowing access to only a limited API. On Apple's side is the momentum they have developed through the iPod, which has turned the company from a niche vendor to a main-street darling. 

Lets face it, everyon wants an iPhone (3G of course) and playing with OS's is well below the radar of most mobile users. 

My take? We'll see a dirty game played out between Google's Android and Nokia's (well, sort of) Symbian, but the keys to the kingdom will be stolen by that Jobs guy once again. If the others don't sort themselves out quick-smart we could end up with a repeat of the MP3 player fiasco, where a diverse and competetive market gets completely wiped out by one, very hip, player...