“Instead of demonstrating its technical prowess and vast resources, Microsoft limped out a half-hearted rehash of an OS we’ve seen all too much of, and managed to blind most onlookers with a storm of big time partnerships and bloated PR. While their major competitors (and even some allies) in the mobile space seem bent on [...]
Microsoft Research is offering up a vision for computing in 2020. The very detailed document is thought provoking stuff, and even better it offers up some very specific questions about design challenges that fall out of that vision.
“Many new forms of mobile interaction are on the horizon. Mobile devices will allow us to connect with [...]
“This article explores the practice of “beeping” or “missed calling” between mobile phone users, or calling a number and hanging up before the mobile’s owner can pick up the call. Most beeps are requests to call back immediately, but they can also send a pre-negotiated instrumental message such as “pick me up now” or a [...]
“Windows Mobile 7 will use motion gestures…it will use the camera on the phone to detect motions and create appropriate actions. You will be able to shake, twist and otherwise manipulate the phone and get things done. The phone will be able to perform actions when placed face down on a surface, and it will [...]
Microsoft’s Shift uses call-outs to deal with the problem of fingers covering targets on touchscreen devices.
“Retrieving the stylus of a pen-based device takes time and requires a second hand. Especially for short, intermittent interactions many users therefore choose to use their bare fingers instead. Although convenient, this increases targeting times and error rates. We argue [...]
John Carroll argues that Microsoft’s approach of having a consistent UI across Windows Mobile devices is hampering adoption and innovation in the mobile space.
“Does this mean the UI should be completely replaceable? I think so. There are smart UI designers outside of Microsoft, and I don’t see why arming them with the ability to [...]
Jonathon Donner has published a survey of research approaches to mobile use in developing countries. An interesting survey with loads of references. See Jonathon’s site for more of his publications.
“In particular, a few kinds of studies seem most popular: those which focus on the mobile as a tool for new forms of instrumental communication and [...]
Microsoft’s licensing the Office 2007 UI. Not at all related to mobile devices, but very interesting because it’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone talk about licensing UI systems. Microsoft is being very liberal with the licensing terms, but are they really able to require people to obtain a license? (On the upside, getting [...]
“The user interface guidelines for Windows Mobile-Based Pocket PCs assist you in developing Windows Mobile-based applications that provide a good user experience. The guidelines are based on extensive usability research.”
Link: Pocket PC User Interface Guidelines (microsoft.com)
Published by Gabriel White.