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 2 Icons + 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? Memos Settings Address book My profile (shown by icons) Text cue for current choice Login/logout Change world Menu 2 Content changes according to choice in menu 1