The iPad is here! What are the implications for marketers?

To coincide with the iPad launch on the 28th May in the UK, this is our review of the implications of the iPad for marketing into the future.

Although many commentators have criticised the iPad as an "inbetween" product which loses the portability benefits of Smart phones and the power of Netbooks, we believe it will be something of a game changer in the way we consume media and in providing new opportunities for marketing.

I coordinated the production of this guide for the cScape Customer Engagement Unit. It includes reviews and recommendations from 3 Smart Insights Expert commentators: Dan Barker, Dave Chaffey and myself.

iPad design techniques

.Net magazine August 2010 has a good tutorial and tips on iPad design. Here are a selection of their recommended links

• iPad templates from Emily Chang - good for creating mockups, e.g. in Omnigraffle
• Optimising for iPad - Stephan Spencer discusses how mobile-friendly sites fare on the iPad and talks about layout, navigation and Flash issues
• iPad App design - Options and best practice in iPad interface design - also applies to site design issues
• Designing for iPad - Article explores general interface design for iPaid looking at typography, UX and interaction design

I'd also recommend this for more on the specific web design implications of the iPad. In particular fancy hover effects won't work which can have implications for menu/navigation in particular.