Wireless Usability Issues in wireless phones’ device/service usability Hyun Joo LEE LIS 385 T.6: Software Usability Engineering February 20, 2003

Contents Introduction Wireless phone services and networks Wireless connectivity Web-enabled mobile phone usability An insight for the wireless usability testing Conclusion

Introduction What is Wireless Usability? : “the users’ perception of the quality” of wireless device/service, which is based on the” users’ ease of use, ease of learning and relearning” (Barnum, 2002) : the device/service’s intuitiveness for the user, and the user’s appreciation of the usefulness of it Why Wireless? Portability (Mobility), Flexibility, etc.

Wireless phone services and networks 1 G : first generation cell phones, analog technology handled only voice 2 G : second generation cell phones, digital, offer data services (text messaging and Web access) 2.5 G: a transitional generation of phones, higher speed data (40 Kbps ~144Kbps) access. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks 3 G: third generation networks, packet switching much higher speed connectivity (384Kbps~ 2 Mbps) - SK Telecom IMT 2000, KOREA(ROK) - NTTdocomo, Japan

Devices and 3G PAGERS Mobile phones PDAs COMMUNICATORS Built-in CCD camera Packet data transmission images as attachments

3G mobile-multimedia phone 1. i-mode  i-mode has transformed the mobile phone from a tool for voice communication into an all encompassing information tool.  i-mode was developed as a packet-switched high-speed (9600) system. Unlike voice calls, which are circuit-switched connections requiring dial up, i-mode’s data connections are packet switched, meaning the data connection is “always on ”

2. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) Standard in Europe, North America WAP architecture Internet WAP gateway Communication tower Web server Mobile phones

Connectivity Connectivity of wireless devices depend on network reliability, power supplies such as battery life and so on. ‘Always-on’ connections

Web-enabled mobile phone usability 1. Consumer issues -Display screen, input devices -Transport -Battery life -Communication -Peripherals and Expansion (Elden, C.R.)

2. focus group novice and savvy, Internet savvy, teenager or senior, phone savvy, everyday consumer, physically challenged, complex application user, online transaction user, high-income and high net worth geo-specific

3.Device and user interface elements Mechanism (selection v. typing ) User-centered Consistency GUI (graphical user interface) -Menus, Popup Menus, Text entry fields, Check boxes, Radio buttons, Icons and push buttons Readability- Anti-Glare

4. Device checklist example Is the screen legible under both good and poor lighting? Are the controls intuitive for both voice and WWW use? Can they have be used by people of varying hand size and fingernail length? Can they be one-handed? Do they have a minimum of 6 lines of text visible? Is the screen legible to older users? Is the speaker volume loud enough? rapid-chargers available for road warriors?

5. Service checklist examples  Is there adequate service to employee’s offices, travel routes, and homes?  Check both voice and web access coverage areas.

An insight for the wireless usability testing Ease of use and ease of learning Reliability Situated environment

Conclusion Case studies and developing usability procedure are necessary for designing and testing for the wireless devices/services. In the usability study, effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction of the wireless devices and services based upon users’ perspectives are the three major components to be considered.