Designing interfaces for handheld computers

ABSTRACT

With the handheld computer finally becoming mainstream, there is a need for designers to become informed about the tips and techniques necessary to design effective handheld applications. Many designers are unfamiliar with the unique requirements of handheld computers, and therefore attempt to use desktop metaphors on their designs. This tutorial will introduce design concepts used by the creators of the most popular and easy-to-use handheld computers. It includes designing screens and dialog boxes, designing for speed, using progressive disclosure, and employing benchmarks. It will also demonstrate the difference between designing for the consumer market and the vertical market.

REFERENCES

• 1: Brenda Laurel, Computers as theatre, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1991
• 2: Brenda Laurel , S. Joy Mountford, The Art of Human-Computer Interface Design, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1990
• 3: Norman, D. (1992). Turn Signals Are the Facial Expressions of Automobiles. Reading, MA Addison-Wesley Publishing Company
• 4: Bruce Tognazzini, TOG on Interface, Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 1992
• 5: Verplank, B. (1991). Graphical invention for User Interfaces. Tutorial notes of CHI '91. ACM / SIGCHL N.Y.
• 6: Palm Computing / 3Com, Developing Palm OS 3.0 Applications, Part 1, Palm Computing / 3Com

INDEX TERMS

Keywords:
Windows/CE, consumer products, graffiti, handheld computers, mobile computing, palm computing platform, palmpilot, pen input, pen-based computers, user interface design, vertical