1. Let’s Communicate Mobile phone design Ian Ramsey C of E School
GCSE ICT
Let’s Communicate
Mobile phone design

2. Starter:
What would you need to consider if you were designing or choosing a mobile phone for an older person? Make a list.
Big keypad
Bold clear lettering
Loud sounds- ability to adjust sound
Simple use
Obvious way to make calls s
texts
Big screen
Basic applications
Easy to use- add contacts make phone calls send texts ect
Speed dial for emergency numbers
Big notifications
Help button
Big so don’t loose it

3. Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Talk about the impact that age, gender and disability have on the choice of a mobile phone
understand the health and safety risks when using phones.

4. Discussion:
With a partner think of another group of people who may not be able to use an average mobile phone. How would you adapt the phone for them? Explain below.
Someone without arms- I would design a hands free phone that was voice activated and could possibly be clipped onto clothing wear. A voice could read out texts for blind people or come up with a 3d brail alphabet. If someone was deaf instead of blind then the sound would be replaced by a flashing light of the flash and a vibration. They could speak out loud and voice activate the phone. It could then be remote controlled to find the user and follow it so disabled users don’t have to move and exert themselves. It could call emergency services by being connected to a help button in the wheelchair etc. if they want to get help. The screen would be large with larger icons and zoom available. If someone was disabled due to an illness then they could check their health on it. Notifications to be read out.

5. Pros and Cons of Mobile Phones
Ruby’s brother is 10 years old. Their parents are undecided about whether he should have a mobile phone. What do you think their worries might be? What would be the good things about him having a phone?
Pros
Cons
Contact for going out
Inappropriate websites
pictures
cyberbullying
Homework apps
Microwave exposure
Emergencies
To prevent feeling left out
Internet for homework
Less bored
Entertainment
Maps gps not get lost
Phone addiction
He could be targeted by strangers
Less time spent with family
Blow all the money on the app store
Might not take care of it and break or loose it
Easy target for mugging
Manners ignoring people

6. Advise Ruby’s parents
Write a review of mobile phones telling them both the positive and the negative aspects. Use some of the headings below to help you structure your report.
Communicating with others; Invasion of privacy; Crime; Peace of mind; Changes to the landscape; Environmental cost; Etiquette; Cost.
Some views suggest that your 10 year old son should have a mobile phone as it would result in him having more freedom in terms of going out with his friends to play as he could easily contact you, his friends or even emergency services if something awful happened. He would be able to take frequent pictures and create many fun memories with his friends to look back on. It would give him great entertainment as most young children have a wide variety of applications to keep themselves from being bored. If he has homework, the phone could also be extremely useful for research and help for extra school work instead of taking up time on the family computer etc. There is also a range of educational apps that can improve brain power which he could download and use.
However, you also need to weigh up the risks as your son could be exposed to violent and inappropriate websites as it is hard to put searching filters on cellular devices. He could be the target of cyberbullying which will have a drastic impact on his life. As you cannot monitor him constantly, he may talk to strangers and be unaware of internet safety and how to prevent stalkers etc. There are also prominent concerns of microwave exposure which could (but is not proven) to possibly ‘cook the brain.’ Is he responsible enough to not purchase costly apps on the app store accidently? A 10 year old boy is an easy target for mugging and his phone may easily get lost or broken if he is careless. Your son could possibly become addicted to his phone and not wish to spend time with his parents anymore. There's a possibility of him becoming rude and impolite.