Comparison of mobile phone user interface design preferences

Abstract

This research study explores cross-cultural differences and similarities of user preferences of mobile phone features. Product interactive focus groups were conducted in India and in the United States; groups included users without any apparent disabilities and users with a visual disability of legal blindness. The analysis of the focus group sessions and post-task usability questionnaires provided an insight to the preferences of mobile phone interface components and gave a deeper understanding of the mobile culture in the two countries. These results are summarized to provide guidelines for designing cross-cultural user interfaces which are nationality specific and disability specific. A pyramid model for a holistic process of designing cell phones for users with disabilities is proposed which integrated the findings of this study and Jordan's [1] pleasurability frameworkThe need for users participating in the design process has been realized, however, users with disabilities are not always included in the design process [4]. This study followed an inclusive design process, to compare and contrast the cell phone design preferences of users from two different countries, including users with no apparent disabilities and users with visual disabilities. This study was conducted to identify possible relationships between national culture, disability culture and design preferences of cell phone interfaces. The theoretical cultural framework used to guide this study was Hofstede's five dimensional cultural model [5].The globalization era that has lead to the exploration of cross-cultural design and the relationship of these cultural dimensions with interface design components has been established by several authors [6], [7].

The opportunities and challenges of serious games for people with an intellectual disability

“…Fifth, the move towards globalisation has produced products and devices that transcend cultural differences. Nevertheless, people from different cultures and with different types of impairments still have a range of different beliefs, values and expectations of these same products (Jhangiani & Smith‐Jackson, ). The design and development of SG for individuals with disabilities is no exception.…”

“…The dimensions are Power distance (inequality between society members); Individualism versus Collectivism; Femininity versus Masculinity; Uncertainty Avoidance; and Long‐Term Orientation. Hofstede's dimensions have served as a useful framework to steer design development, including the development of mobile devices for visually impaired users (Jhangiani & Smith‐Jackson, ). These dimensions are relevant to all, but may be especially powerful for people with ID, where the identity and emotional life of the individual is all too often neglected in favour of a focus on a (medically and socially constructed) group identity.…”