I8-2　Comparative Study on User Preference of Handheld Device based on Grip Types

Abstract

This study mainly aims to investigate critical factors that enhance usability and propose the preference contour of control location for the handheld device according to the grip posture. To achieve these goals, the grip postures while using the handheld devices were firstly categorized based on representative user activity and product geometry features. As a result, a hierarchical tree of grip posture classification was constructed. Meanwhile, an empirical test was conducted through a series of selection task on the handheld device interface. The grip type (three types of both hands grip), form factor (product width and thickness) and user's hand length were manipulated as an independent variable. The subjective preference score was measured to evaluate the user satisfaction according to different control locations. The results of experiment show that the form factor had a significant effect on user preference. In addition, iso-preference contours employed by Support Vector Machine (SVM) were derived to suggest the preferable control zone. This research will be expected to contribute to practical guidelines for the layout of various functions on a display.