Mobile IxD

Ownership and use of mobile devices carry different implications in different cultures, from personal value to social status. Some behaviors of the mobile user that may be acceptable in one culture are considered rude in another. Likewise, behaviors of the mobile product may be considered rude or even alienate the user that is attempting to be mindful of their own etiquette. It is important that the product mind its manners and also provide some flexibility to the user in doing so (and to account for use during travel) – for everybody’s’ sake!
Respect and integrate global settings, especially in regards to sounds (or lack thereof)
Use a combination of visual and audio cues rather than relying solely on either
If there are audible cues in the product
- Default cues should be brief, differentiated and of moderate volume
- If personalization is possible, allow the user to choose more complex, loud or potentially annoying cues (consider not supplying any such cues as part of the product)
- Ensure that appropriate cues will trigger a vibration when the device is in “silent” mode
Allow for a delayed response to notification
When possible, do not pause system activity while awaiting user acknowledgement, as it may be a long time coming
If the product relies on voice input, ensure that key tasks can be accomplished manually by hand for the times when speaking is impossible or rude
The phone may be turned off while in the middle of performing a task – make it easy to recover and resume the task at a later time
Keep required character input to a minimum
When possible, integrate features that help facilitate and moderate communications with others, such as presence (a feature that can be applied more broadly than in just instant messaging), communication blocking, and call or message identification as it arrives

dave@mobileixd.com