Ex Communication Design students Jon Sutton and Matt Isles work for BT Ideas (see website www.participateonline.co.uk)
SEMIANR
During the seminar, there was some interesting feedback and ideas from Jon and Matt about how to make our interactive service successful with the audience. A comment I found particularly useful was about how to make the audience feel like they are part of something by using the service, like they belong to a clique.
This can be achieved by having not just an interactive service but one that the users themselves can take part in. Some ideas I have had include interactive games, a feedback or comment system, or having some part of the service content generated by the users. This links back to the issues raised in the lecture by Richard Adams about the internet becoming a place of user driven content. I think this is something that would transfer well to a mobile service.
30 Nov 2006
24 Nov 2006
Ideas
The following are just some brainstormed ideas I have had for the project.
SAT-NAV
One of my first ideas was a satellite navigation system for mobile phones and PDAs, the service would use the same technology as in-car sat-nav systems but also allow users to then take the phone / PDA out of the car and use whilst walking or cycling.
I have since found out that this has already been released in a simple form on the Nokia E61 mobile phone. So onto some other ideas . . .
MINI FAIR 2007
My only 'event' idea so far is to have a distributed media campaign around the launch of the new re-designed Mini. I recently received a letter inviting me to the first new mini launch in the Beaulie Motor Museum (it was simply a sentence telling me to go online and register and they would get back to me - personally thought they could have put in a bit more effort.) Some ideas I have had content wise include a revised digital version of the 'Mini' car game, competitions, videos, pictures etc . .
MYSPACE GONE MOBILE
This is a very rough idea of having a user driven content / sharing service application similar to myspace (hence the name) where users can upload media about their daily life and it can then be distributed to their friends. The general concept is if a person takes a photo or video of something funny / interesting they can upload it and tag it with names of their friends on the service who may like to receive it. Those people then receive an RSS feed informing them and they can then pull the content.
SAT-NAV
One of my first ideas was a satellite navigation system for mobile phones and PDAs, the service would use the same technology as in-car sat-nav systems but also allow users to then take the phone / PDA out of the car and use whilst walking or cycling.
I have since found out that this has already been released in a simple form on the Nokia E61 mobile phone. So onto some other ideas . . .
MINI FAIR 2007
My only 'event' idea so far is to have a distributed media campaign around the launch of the new re-designed Mini. I recently received a letter inviting me to the first new mini launch in the Beaulie Motor Museum (it was simply a sentence telling me to go online and register and they would get back to me - personally thought they could have put in a bit more effort.) Some ideas I have had content wise include a revised digital version of the 'Mini' car game, competitions, videos, pictures etc . .
MYSPACE GONE MOBILE
This is a very rough idea of having a user driven content / sharing service application similar to myspace (hence the name) where users can upload media about their daily life and it can then be distributed to their friends. The general concept is if a person takes a photo or video of something funny / interesting they can upload it and tag it with names of their friends on the service who may like to receive it. Those people then receive an RSS feed informing them and they can then pull the content.
13 Nov 2006
Research > The Small Screen
With the advances in mobile device technology and the development of the mobile web, users are continually turning to small devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and even PSPs to access the internet at a time and place that suits them. However, many issues have occurred relating to the usability of these devices in accessing and displaying content. Following are the main issues that I think face the user and designer of mobile content and applications.
SIZE
Due to advances in technology, digital devices especially mobile phones are designed to be as small and compact as possible. However this causes one of the largest problems from a design and user perspective; screen size.
(above) restrictions of small screens.
Not only is there the problem of remediating content for small screens but also having to take into account the diversity of different screens relating to each different device.
(above) are the relative screen sizes of the Ipod Nano, Nokia N73 mobile phone and a PSP.
INPUT DEVICE
Digital devices are not always designed with web browsing as a main function, mobile phones are primarily communication tools with sometimes only a keypad and joystick as a means of input and navigation. PDAs are generally used as organisers and many feature a touch screen with a pen to input information. Therefore navigating web pages using these methods is often difficult and confusing for the user.
CONTEXT
Users are always on the go when using their mobile or PDA and are often going to be in a distracting environment or trying to multi-task while accessing the web. Therefore web pages or applications need to be kept as simple and easy as possible.
WHATS THE SOLUTION THEN?
What is the user most likely to be accessing the web for? What are they doing, that makes them require some sort of information form the web? Finding out what the user wants, where and at what time is perhaps the best way to making mobile web and applications successful. Having purpose specific applications for individual tasks, as opposed to the web in general having apply to any situation.
SIZE
Due to advances in technology, digital devices especially mobile phones are designed to be as small and compact as possible. However this causes one of the largest problems from a design and user perspective; screen size.
(above) restrictions of small screens.Not only is there the problem of remediating content for small screens but also having to take into account the diversity of different screens relating to each different device.
(above) are the relative screen sizes of the Ipod Nano, Nokia N73 mobile phone and a PSP.
INPUT DEVICE
Digital devices are not always designed with web browsing as a main function, mobile phones are primarily communication tools with sometimes only a keypad and joystick as a means of input and navigation. PDAs are generally used as organisers and many feature a touch screen with a pen to input information. Therefore navigating web pages using these methods is often difficult and confusing for the user.
CONTEXT
Users are always on the go when using their mobile or PDA and are often going to be in a distracting environment or trying to multi-task while accessing the web. Therefore web pages or applications need to be kept as simple and easy as possible.
WHATS THE SOLUTION THEN?
What is the user most likely to be accessing the web for? What are they doing, that makes them require some sort of information form the web? Finding out what the user wants, where and at what time is perhaps the best way to making mobile web and applications successful. Having purpose specific applications for individual tasks, as opposed to the web in general having apply to any situation.
Richard Adams Lecture
USER AND CONTENT
One of the main issues that Richard discussed in the lecture and seminar is the changing relationship between the user and the content. The new user experience is one of a CONTENT that exists within a CONTEXT to suit them. Audiences are no longer waiting for information to be broadcast to them through ITV but Sky+ ing it and then watching it at a time that suits them. Similarly users are downloading episodes of Lost and watching them on their ipods, phones or PDAs during the morning commute to work. Information is no longer 'pushed' unwantedly onto the user at an inappropriate time, but insead is being 'pulled' from RSS blog and news feeds when and where they want it.
FIND SHARE PLAY TALK RECOMMEND
Another main issue raised in the lecture was the development of the web as a platform for user driven content and not simply a broadcasting channel. This has allowed for self organizing communities to grow on the net such as flickr.com in which users upload photographs to share, discuss and recommend to others.
One of the main issues that Richard discussed in the lecture and seminar is the changing relationship between the user and the content. The new user experience is one of a CONTENT that exists within a CONTEXT to suit them. Audiences are no longer waiting for information to be broadcast to them through ITV but Sky+ ing it and then watching it at a time that suits them. Similarly users are downloading episodes of Lost and watching them on their ipods, phones or PDAs during the morning commute to work. Information is no longer 'pushed' unwantedly onto the user at an inappropriate time, but insead is being 'pulled' from RSS blog and news feeds when and where they want it.
FIND SHARE PLAY TALK RECOMMEND
Another main issue raised in the lecture was the development of the web as a platform for user driven content and not simply a broadcasting channel. This has allowed for self organizing communities to grow on the net such as flickr.com in which users upload photographs to share, discuss and recommend to others.
12 Nov 2006
Research > Mobile Technology
BLUETOOTH
"Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications system intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed electronic devices." Source: www.bluetooth.com
Bluetooth technology is now pretty much seen as a standard feature of mobile phones. It is a simple way to transfer data to other devices or across platforms. The only main drawback is the range of the Bluetooth signal, which makes the system more appropriate for location-based services.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication)"RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital content, such as blogs, news feeds or podcasts. Consumers of RSS content use special browsers called aggregators to watch for new content in dozens or even hundreds of web feeds." Source: Wikipedia
RSS feeds are a great way to view web content on mobile devices as the display of the information is a simple text-based list. This is also an example of the user having control over what content they receive, users are 'pulling' information that they want to see rather than having unwanted content 'pushed' to them.
LOCATION BASED SERVICES
Location Based Services (LBS) are used by phone networks to send customised advertisements or other forms of information to mobile phone subscribers depending on their current location. GPS chips built into the phone allow the networks to find the exact location of the person, and then send them information about that particular area.
FLASH LITE"Flash Lite is the Flash technology specifically developed for mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. Flash Lite dramatically accelerates the delivery of rich content and browsing, and customized user interfaces." Source: www.adobe.com
Flash Lite is an optimized version of Adobe Flash Player especially designed to improve the delivery of content and enhance interaction on mobile devices.
Reaearch > Mobile Interfaces
I have researched the interface design of three different leading mobile phone manufacturers, to gain an insight into designing for small screen devices. I have chosen three phones from the top 10 at www.thelink.co.uk. All of the phones use either a joystick or four way buttons for navigation, along with two soft keys.
MOTOROLA RAZR V3
The main menu on the Motorola uses icons in a grid layout as navigation, when the user navigates the menu the name of each function appears a the top of the screen. When a function is selected the sub-menus are in a simple text list layout. If a user selects the right hand button whilst in a sub menu a separate menu pops up from the bottom right corner giving more options.
NOKIA N73
The Nokia main menu is layed out in a similar way using icons in a grid formation, however the Nokia also includes text under the icon with the name of the function. Once in the sub menu the Nokia also uses a text based list but with small corresponding icons at the top of the screen. Further along in the menu the list includes small icons to the left of the text.
SONY ERICSSON W800
The Sony Ericsson menu is fairly identical to the Motorola in using icons and the corresponding function name at the top of the screen. Once in the sub menu Sony is the only phone to use a tabbed system to navigate, like the Nokia it also uses a text based list with smaller icons. The Sony also has the same pop up menu as the Motorola giving the user more options.
-Image source: www.mobile-review.com
MOTOROLA RAZR V3
The main menu on the Motorola uses icons in a grid layout as navigation, when the user navigates the menu the name of each function appears a the top of the screen. When a function is selected the sub-menus are in a simple text list layout. If a user selects the right hand button whilst in a sub menu a separate menu pops up from the bottom right corner giving more options.
NOKIA N73
The Nokia main menu is layed out in a similar way using icons in a grid formation, however the Nokia also includes text under the icon with the name of the function. Once in the sub menu the Nokia also uses a text based list but with small corresponding icons at the top of the screen. Further along in the menu the list includes small icons to the left of the text.
SONY ERICSSON W800
The Sony Ericsson menu is fairly identical to the Motorola in using icons and the corresponding function name at the top of the screen. Once in the sub menu Sony is the only phone to use a tabbed system to navigate, like the Nokia it also uses a text based list with smaller icons. The Sony also has the same pop up menu as the Motorola giving the user more options.
-Image source: www.mobile-review.com
11 Nov 2006
Research > Websites and Articles
After much Google-ing and researching on the web, these are the websites and articles that I find the most interesting and useful.
WEBSITES
www.smallsurfaces.com
Website tracks articles and papers about design for mobile technology. Loads of articles dating back to May 2005, all categorised under topics.
www.w3.org/mobile
The W3C Mobile Web Initiative works with the leading industries in mobile production and content providers in the aim to make mobile web browsing easy and accessible.
www.opera.com
Opera Mobile browser. Site includes a lot of information about how they have developed the technology to adapt web content for viewing on small screen devices.
www.mobiface.com
A blog site which posts articles and links about new mobile interfaces and applications.
ARTICLES
Designing the Mobile User Experience
"Achieving simplicity and speed of access is the key to expanding people’s perceptions of the mobile Web to include information, entertainment, and commerce services. If people are to use these services while they are on the go, we must avoid cramming as many features as possible into them—just so we can claim to have the biggest and best service."
Article covers a lot about designing for the mobile web, discusses restrictions, contexts of use and goes on to say how designers can successfully make content for use on mobile devices.
Mobilize, Don't Miniaturize
"Too often, when companies decide to make a mobile version of their application, they take their desktop application or site, decide which features work for mobile, and then convert those features to a mobile language or two. Through this method we get flight times, stock prices, checking email, checking calendars, local weather, and several other useful but limited applications. These applications do not fully meet user needs. To do anything in particular, the user has to visit several applications, one after the other, remembering data from application to application."
Highlights need to have mobile specific applications and web content, not simply those adapted from desktop computers. Has a very good example of a simple mobile application, and compares this to what the user would usually have to go through with a computer.
WEBSITES
www.smallsurfaces.com
Website tracks articles and papers about design for mobile technology. Loads of articles dating back to May 2005, all categorised under topics.
www.w3.org/mobile
The W3C Mobile Web Initiative works with the leading industries in mobile production and content providers in the aim to make mobile web browsing easy and accessible.
www.opera.com
Opera Mobile browser. Site includes a lot of information about how they have developed the technology to adapt web content for viewing on small screen devices.
www.mobiface.com
A blog site which posts articles and links about new mobile interfaces and applications.
ARTICLES
Designing the Mobile User Experience
"Achieving simplicity and speed of access is the key to expanding people’s perceptions of the mobile Web to include information, entertainment, and commerce services. If people are to use these services while they are on the go, we must avoid cramming as many features as possible into them—just so we can claim to have the biggest and best service."
Article covers a lot about designing for the mobile web, discusses restrictions, contexts of use and goes on to say how designers can successfully make content for use on mobile devices.
Mobilize, Don't Miniaturize
"Too often, when companies decide to make a mobile version of their application, they take their desktop application or site, decide which features work for mobile, and then convert those features to a mobile language or two. Through this method we get flight times, stock prices, checking email, checking calendars, local weather, and several other useful but limited applications. These applications do not fully meet user needs. To do anything in particular, the user has to visit several applications, one after the other, remembering data from application to application."
Highlights need to have mobile specific applications and web content, not simply those adapted from desktop computers. Has a very good example of a simple mobile application, and compares this to what the user would usually have to go through with a computer.
Small Screens, Big Ideas
"The results of a new study, 'Mobile TV – Attitudes to Broadcast on Mobile', confirms the need for broadcast and entertainment brands to work harder to tailor their content to mobile phones. The most successful mobile TV will also be of the right quality to work on a mobile screen and targeted to a specific audience."
Discusses having innovative content from TV programmes especially adapted or created for mobile phones. Research showed the public are interested in mobile TV but only if the content is speceffically made for phones.
10 Nov 2006
Unit Requirements
ASSIGNMENT
Develop a ‘campaign’ to demonstrate the interactive possibilities relating to emerging technologies and contexts that promotes events.
AIMS
1. To investigate the evolving contexts within which interactive media products and systems are developing.
2. To identify the key issues underpinning design practice within this context.
3. To investigate a range of possible types of interaction, the limitations and possible solutions.
4. As a designer identify technical, economic, cultural and social contexts within which the product or system operate.
Develop a ‘campaign’ to demonstrate the interactive possibilities relating to emerging technologies and contexts that promotes events.
AIMS
1. To investigate the evolving contexts within which interactive media products and systems are developing.
2. To identify the key issues underpinning design practice within this context.
3. To investigate a range of possible types of interaction, the limitations and possible solutions.
4. As a designer identify technical, economic, cultural and social contexts within which the product or system operate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)