Wi-Fi and handhelds: perfect synergy

ABSTRACT

Consumers assume when they make a purchase of a Wi-Fi handheld they will have to spend all day to set up and get it connected. When palmOne Inc. decided to produce a Wi-Fi product, we wanted to create a handheld that users could turn on and go. The goal was to give the users a simple and elegant experience with Wi-Fi, unlike competitive products that were hard to use, and often intimidated the users.palmOne had an opportunity to branch out the product line with Wi-Fi and position the company as mobile broadband product providers. The challenge was to create a solid Wi-Fi user experience that connected users seamlessly in various locations without taking away the control of the handheld from the user.We introduced a simple wizard that stepped users through the initial connection process then automatically connected in different locations and simplified configuration of hidden or encrypted networks.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Wireless communication

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
802.11, Wi-Fi, broadband, encryption, handhelds, interaction design, mobile, networking, palm, palmOne, pda, product design, security, tungsten, usability research, user experience, user interface design, user research, user-centered design / human-centered design, wireless