Design for intuitive use: a study of mobile phones
Authors: Adam Marsh, Rossitza Setchi
Abstract
This paper explores the field of design for intuitive use by researching existing ideas and conducting an experimental study to determine if mobile phones are currently viewed as intuitive to use. In the context of this study, design use is defined as the seamless alignment of cognitive expectation with interface actuality. The experiment carried out compares mobile phones produced by two large manufacturers, to determine which areas of a mobile phone facia are commonly viewed to be used for specific tasks and to investigate which image schemata are used to perform generic interaction tasks. As indicated by the participants in the survey, the Nokia interface is currently viewed as being very intuitive to use, and their system of interface design has shaped the consumers expectations of interaction with mobile phones. The experiments conducted showed that the nearer the top of the keypad a key is positioned, the more important, or regularly used it is expected to be. The most common image schemata for interaction as indicated by the participants in the experiments are the vertical and depth schemata.
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| Marsh_Setchi_IPROMS.ppt | 1.94 MB |
Dear Soroka,
Thank you for your comments.
You are correct on the questionnaire and that is indeed a very good idea, enabling far more people to take part in the study. It was not possible to create such an interactive experiment during this primary study due to time constraints. However, the more interactive the study, I believe the more realistic and interesting the results would be. Not only that, but they would be far easier to analyse!
A suggested further experiment in the final reference suggests that participants could create their own individual interface using buttons, slides, dials etc, perhaps using a 'drag and drop' manner through an interactive on-line system. This may open up trends or new ideas stemming from the personal views and experiences of the participants.
I have very limited experience using Java myself, but would like to extend this study when the ability arises. If anyone is interested in furthering these ideas, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Adam
here are many Samsung Mobile Phones available in the mobile markets that are creating great sensations worldwide. However, there some unique mobile devices that are not only known for their intelligence but also for their beauty, for example the Samsung U600.
From what is said in the paper it looks like a standard questionnaire has been used to look at usability. Have you considered doing an online version of this study with the handset "simulated" using flash or java? Such an interactive analysis would enable you to gather more data about how people use an interface and if their are common traits amongst users.