Giles Jones wrote:
If you minimise the time using the stylus then you eliminate a huge
section of the public who don't want to use a stylus (yes I know the
Nintendo DS has one and has sold 40 million ;)). I would say the main
reason for using the stylus is drawing lines.
Using fingers to touch is less precise, but you could have an
interface that zooms, touch and hold an area to zoom that area, you
can then touch more accurately the item you want. Would be possible
with the additional 3D hardware in the consumer hardware.
*Most* of the application should be completely navigable fingers only,
because people are much more likely (at least I know I am) to be on the
go while using their phone. Whereas when people are playing a game
(Nintendo DS), they would be more likely to be stationary and willing to
take the time to take out and use the stylus.
I think it takes a little bit of extra time and effort to design for a
mobile (finger only) application. However, less IS more. Fewer but
larger (and intuitive) buttons. I don't mind going through a couple of
screens if it is clear what I am doing.
For the address book example. I would prefer to have a list that showed
only a few names with a large area for each. When you clicked the name,
it would pop-up (again large buttons) the actions that you could take
(Dial, SMS, Email, Edit/Other). Extra clicks aren't always bad if they
are well defined and easy to use even at a glance.
-Jonathon
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