Investigating the usability of mobile phones

Abstract: In this study we tried to explore available usability criterions. We wanted to see if they can be used for mobile phone. In order to investigate the usability of mobile phones we looked closer at both literature in the HCI field and also conducted interviews with the usability expert, user tests and surveys with mobile phones end users. During our research we noticed that designers need to take consideration to context of use and the target group the phone is designed for. Moreover we discovered that usability goals that are defined in the literature are very general and they can be adapted to design of every artefact but need to be adjusted when being used to design mobile phones. In addition to the goals mentioned by Preece et al. (2002), the designers have to take consideration to context of use, worth of use and attractiveness. We also studied the functions; Calling, SMS, Phone book, MMS, Camera, and WAP to see how mobile phones end users experience these functions and also investigate which criterions are important from the expert’s point of view. No differences have been found between mobile phones end users and the usability expert of mobile phones points of view. Both studied groups pointed out to the same problems in using mobile phones and its functions. We did find that our user test participants carried out the functions Calling, SMS, Phone book, and camera very easily and quickly. On the other hand they had problems in using MMS and WAP functions. The reasons behind this could be the configuration and the cost of using these functions. In addition we found that the users are not motivated to use WAP and MMS functions due to the fact that mobile phone have small screen and these functions are not worth the effort.