Design patterns for user interface for mobile applications

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe topic of this paper is a collection of user interface (UI) design patterns for mobile applications. In the paper we present the structure of the patterns collection -the patterns are suggested solutions to problems that are grouped into a set of problem areas that are further grouped into three main problem areas -a structure which is valuable both as an index to identifying patterns to use, and it gives a fairly comprehensive overview of issues when designing user interfaces for mobile applications. To show the breadth of the patterns collection we present six individual problems with connected design patterns in some detail -each coming from different problem areas. They represent important and relevant problems, and are on different levels of abstraction, thus showing how patterns may be used to present problems and solutions on different levels of detail. To show the relevance and usefulness of the patterns collection for usability professionals with a mixed background, we present some relevant findings from a validation of the patterns collection. In addition to verifying the relevance and usefulness of the patterns collection, it also shows both expected and surprising correlations between background and perceived relevance and usefulness. One important finding from the validation is an indication that the patterns collection is best suited for experienced UI developers wanting to start developing mobile UIs. Using a patterns collection for documenting design knowledge and experience has been a mixed experience, so we discuss pros and cons of this. Finally, we present related work and future research.

XIS-mobile

“…This analysis was performed not only in an empirical way, but also with the analysis of existing literature [9][10][11][12].…”

Design patterns for touchscreen-based mobile devices

“…Nilsson proposes a set of design patterns for user interface for mobile applications based on 2 databases of usability issues and design patterns [14]. These problems are grouped in three main problem areas: (1) Utilizing screen space, (2) Interaction mechanisms and (3) Design at large.…”

“…The template used for defining each pattern is based on Nilsson's template [14] with few additions. The complete template is: (a) Name of the design pattern, (b) For, (c) Use When, (d) How, (e) Why and (f) Associated Heuristic.…”

The Influence of User-Context on Mobile Information Needs

“…In particular, research which focus on understanding users' needs and expectations include user strategies to address mobile information needs [3] [4], classification of user goals [2], usage patterns of mobile applications and services [5] and designing user-friendly interfaces for mobile applications [6].…”