Stylin' and Profilin'

The Challenge: To determine the optimal way to add buttons on the outside and on the keyboard of a camera phone with a unique form factor.

The Approach:

• Conduct a usability test that compared four prototypes with different button layouts and collected feedback on comfort, reach, hand positions, and preferences.
• Relate the differences in the usability data back to the form factors of each prototype.
• Determine the optimal, winning combination of design elements that support preferred hand grips and postures with common mobile phone tasks.

The Result: A recommended layout of the external buttons and keypad on the cell phone, based on how users hold the phone, open and closed the phone, text, talk, and take pictures.

Services: Human factors, User research, Usability testing