Hypotheses for the SMS user interface

Richard Walker

Frascati

January 5, 2007

The challenge

• Efficient representation of requests and information

• Respect for ergonomic and device constraints• Top level design

– Command hierarchy– Layout– Modes of interaction

• Low level design– Representing individual classes of information (choice

of icons etc.)– Not discussed here

Constraints

• The environment– Mobile users cannot dedicate their full

attention to a technology platform(London buses - danger of being squashed)

– Transactions have to be fast (the 8 second rule)

• Device– Small screen– Limited input capabilities

An efficient interface (CANON Powershot A620)

Application area (the photo)

Menu 1(icons)

Menu 2Icons + text cue

Status

Change option (menu 2)

New option for ISO Speed

Change function (menu 1)

Change from ISO speed to

White Balance

Kill menus

Now all we see is the

photo (“the application”)

A hypothetical device

“Applications area”

Left and right

buttons

Navigation device

Interface proposal will work with any device that has these minimum features

Worlds

• Two “worlds” each with own commands, menus etc.– SMS World (“shared

functions”)– Service World (defined by

individual service)• Simple toggle between

worlds– Click on left button– This means we can have a

dedicated application and a shared environment

Switch world

The SMS world: menu structure• What’s here? (default: shows ranked list of

services)– Open– Filter– Order

• Memos (shows list of memos)– Open– Save– Send– Make– Filter– Share– TakeMe2– Map

• Settings (shows current settings)– Location– Activity– Privacy

• Address book (shows list of addresses)– Add– Edit– Delete (shows current profile)

• My profile– Nick– Age– Sex– Interests

These menu items are always available when the user is in the SMS world.

When the user is in a “service world” the service determines the menu structure.

Interface elements

Application area

(list of users/ map

etc.)

Menu 1

What’s here?MemosSettingsAddress bookMy profile

(shown by icons)

Text cue for current choice

Login/logout

Change world

Menu 2

Content changes according to choice in menu 1