Mobile+phone.+Michael.

Mobile Phones and Human Factor Design
ANTHROPOMETRICS A mobile phone size is defined by the size of the hand of a person. More precicely the length of the the thumb and fingers and the size of the palm. Obviously some people have bigger hands and thus bigger fingers than other people which is why phones will be designed to be comfortable and easy to use in the 95th percentile. Here we can see three sizes on a hand marked out. The length opf the thumb from the thumb joint, the width of the thumb and the width of the hand from the index finger joint to the pinkie finger joint. It is simultaniously the width of the palm. All three of these dimensions are important in the cellphone industry. DESIGN FACTOR The phones of today are often designed to be small and very thin so that it is easy to keep in a pocket and not uncomfortable. However the size of the phone can be problematic. The smaller the phone, the smaller the numbered keys. Most people are texting each other now and we have become accustomed to use the thumb for this. Thumbs in general are wider and larger than other fingers making texting more difficult. Phones are thus limitied to the smallest size they can reach without compromising the clients comfort and ease of use.

The Nokia 7610 phones on the left are good designs from the users point of view. The keys for texting and writing numbers are large and spaced out lo allow easy use. It also reduces the risk of pressing the wrong key. Furthermore, the phones keys must have a good motion design. The client should not find it hard to press and use the buttons. The harder the buttons are to press the more likely you are to make a mistake, which is obvious with the Sony Ericsson Rip Curl S500i. On the right we can see a man struggling to use his cellphone, simply because it is too small for his hands and use. This is again a Nokia, howver from 4 or 5 years ago. PSYCHOLOGICAL HUMAN FACTORS

FASHION OR GOOD DESIGN Designers have a critical job in the phone industry. Many different designers work on many different parts of the phone. The cover needs to be designed, the keys, the loudspeaker, the camera, the system of the phone (the menu and tasks that can be performed by the phone) The design of each sign and writing. The importance is to find a balance between the ease of use and the efficiency of use and the fashion and looks of the phone. A client will not buy a phone that is merely practical but not fashionable. However, if a phone is not practical and has been critisized, then the clients will not buy this phone either. Nokia leans towards the uses of a phone and not so much towards fashion. Nokia phones are functional, do not break as easily and are durable. The battery last for days... However the phone designs and fashion of the phone is not comparable to the designs of Sony Ericsson for example. The S500i's battery lasted max 30 hours, often it only lasts 20 hours due to its new designs and improved menu "looks". The Nokia 7610 SuperNova looks a bit more classic and basic and has less quality when it comes to colours, backgrounds and the general manu design, but its battery lasts a week and its text message menu is more practical in many ways. (This is not true of all Nokia phones, many of them are very stylish.)



Compared to for example this:

This Nokia is basic but will probably have a longer functional life than both of the phones above. Apple usually creates newer and better versions of their products, rendering the first generation closer to obselescence.

What is Aesthetic-usability effect. A condition whereby users perceive more aesthetically pleasing designs to be easier to use than less aesthetically pleasing designs. AESTHETICS Aesthetics play a large role in the phone industry. The client usually buys the pjhone that looks fashionable, modern and sleek. Other factors such as weight, and the texture of the surface of the phone play a large role (tactile aesthetics). A client will often go for a slim phone which often includes extras such as touch sensitive keys or a touchscreen. The LG Chocolate is a good example of a modern design that incorporated technologies that the clients where willing to spend money on. However LG neglected the strength and durability of the phone. Many clients needed replacements because the phone broke into two pieces, the screen broke, the touchsensitive keys did not react or the battery tsarted running out within the space of an hour. The Nokia 6600 slide is a good example of a good combination of a fashionable outer design, strong and durabel and good technology that oncorporates the life of the battery, menu and design. Below (left) the Nokia 6600 slide and (right) the LG Chocolate: