Tag Archives: pda

Text input methods, again

Little Springs Design has put together a nice summary of different text input methods for mobile devices, including different hardware and software solutions.
“We have categorized various text input mechanisms for mobile devices based on usage scenario. We count not just the number of hands needed to press keys on the device, but also the number [...]

Book: Mobile Interaction Design

From the first chapter of Mobile Interaction Design, by Matt Jones.
“Perhaps, though, the real issue is not whether mobile devices should focus mainly on communication or information processing. There is a broader concern – should one device try to do everything for a user or should there be specialized tools, each carefully crafted to support [...]

The future of the PDA

“The problem which PDAs will still face, even once they follow this trend and become cheaper and more simple, is that people are not going to want to carry multiple devices with them. Despite what the Z22 has to offer, many consumer will opt to use another product, despite it being a good deal more [...]

Extract of “Designing for Small Screens”

A short extract from the book “Designing for Small Screens”.
“Physical interaction Interaction with small-screen devices reveals the conflict of interests between creating the smallest physical size that will give the user unrestricted mobility and flexibility, whilst maintaining dimensions that are defined by the size and the motor functions of the human hand. The balance is [...]

Windows Mobile design guidelines

A short Microsoft white paper describing Windows Mobile 5.0 design guidelines.
“Following a summary of the new UI features in Windows Mobile 5.0, the article launches into the heart of the issue—suggested design rules and guidelines. The proper use of soft keys, dialog boxes, and notification bubbles is covered in detail. Finally, screen orientation and the [...]

History of PDAs

“The purpose of this document is to be a comprehensive timeline of the history of PDAs. Specifically, my intention is to clarify which companies premiered each of the primary front-end features that are considered standard in modern devices, as of the mid/late-1990s commoditization trend.”
Link: The evolution of the PDA: 1975 – 1995