Labs/ConceptSeries/StudentOutreach/AshesiCollege/Ladds
Contents
LADDS - Mobile for the Future
The aim of our project is to modify the physical features of mobile phone to enhance the web browsing experience.
Team Members
Our Findings
Our research was done in 2 levels
The first research focused on identifying the applications on phones that are used the most. Our sample size was 15 people. From this research we identified that the highest activity done on phones was browsing. Therefore, we decided to focus our research on modifying the features of phones (e.g. screen size) that would enhance the browsing experience.
The second research focused on identifying what people liked and disliked about the features of their phones that influence their browsing experiences. From the research we identified one major issue which was the screen size. Users want a big screen but they also want a small phone. Another need we identified was easy navigation whilst browsing. The navigation had to to with scrolling up, down, left and right on pages in order to view the contents of the page.
Prototypes
Our protoypes will be posted up soon
Feedback on Prototype 1 & 2
PROTOTYPE TESTING:
Participant Demographics 2 Female, 2 Male Occupation: Students Age Range : 20-25 Has experience with technology
Goal of Test:
The test was to show how users can identify and understand the functionalities of two different prototypes. The first prototype was a smartphone with an adjustable screen and shortcut buttons. The second prototype was a touch screen smartphone with a touchscreen keyboard. We also wanted to test the understanding of the user’s ability to navigate through the web browser on these prototypes.
Issues Identified:
The first tester stated that the features on the smartphone looked too cumbersome and made the phone appear to be really large. Also she mentioned her concern on the adjustable feature and its durability after a prolonged time of use. With the second prototype, the tester suggested that since it is a touch screen phone, the shortcut buttons shouldn’t be so many. The second tester had the same concerns with the adjustable function and its durability.
Layout/Design:
Both testers liked the overall design of both prototypes but suggested the amount of buttons be reduced. Also since the screen needs to be flexible enough to expand, the material used on the phone must be scratch resistant and bendable.
Navigation/Structure:
The first tester was able to identify the main menu features based on the icons represented on the screen. The second tester was unfamiliar with the smartphone features so found it difficult to understand some of the icons. The browsing navigation was easy for both testers to understand because of its simple layout. The last tester recognized the directions in which the screen can adjust and suggested that the directions focus on left and right only.
Issues to Fix:
After collecting the feedback from all test subjects, we decided that there needs to be some modification to the adjustable screen feature to make it durable which includes: direction of adjustment, material used, and pullout function such as a tab for screen. Also the shortcut buttons on both prototypes should be reduced so that it doesn’t conflict with the physical design of phone. For the second prototype, the sliding touch screen function should be modified so that the two separate screens can work in unison with both screens have equal size. Finally, we need to consider the screen’s function if the user is to receive a call while browsing and the screen is it’s adjusted state.
Changes We Proposed and Will Implement:
The second tester suggested that with the adjustable screen feature we add a rotate feature that will allow the user to view the screen in both landscape and portrait orientation. Also we want to add a sharablilty function for both prototypes so that people can connect and share information.
Feedback
Feedback provided by Thomas Arend PhD, Lead Product Manager, Mozilla Mobile:
Hey there, Lady-Asaph, Ariel, Dennis, Dara, and Shim - nice to e-meet you. And thanks for sharing your project results. This is really cool, and I thought I might share some of my thoughts:
- LADDS - Mobile for the future
Super-cool project group name ;o) About your goal: are you "only" looking at mobile phones or also at tablets and other mobile devices? Outside of web *browsing*, what about online user interaction and collaboration. Most users don't just browse anymore, but they interact, share pictures, create content, leave their traces based on geo-location, etc. - Our Findings:
Very interesting. However, I would love to know more details. Which phones did you look at? Which platforms? iPhone? Android? Blackberry? Symbian? WebOS? etc. Also: you have to specify that you probably look at smartphones, not at "feature phones" which only have wap but no full web access. It would be helpful to document which kind of users you interviewed and which devices they were using. Screen size is less of an issue on modern Android phones, e.g. the XL phones or small tabs like the Samsung Galaxy Tab, for example. How does a larger screen change the focus and results of your research? What if I could stretch / blow up / enlarge my screen quickly? - Prototypes:
Can't wait to see them! - Prototype Testing:
Nice structure. I really like it a lot. For actual testing, you may want to test with a larger and more diverse group, though. Very good summary of findings. May I suggest you add visuals as much as possible to depict how you tested and what your findings were. A rough sketch would be perfect. Even a napkin-drawing or your findings or proposed solution.
Great Job!! Feel free to contact me anytime at thomas@mozilla.com if you have any questions or additional comments. Thanks!
