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This article discusses the trends and challenges in mobile device research in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. It explores the widening gap between users and desktops, the proliferation of mobile devices, and the importance of considering contextual factors. The article also addresses the accessibility issues faced by mobile devices, particularly for elderly users, and proposes research responses such as improving accessibility and developing simple, extensible techniques for input on mobile devices. Additionally, the article emphasizes the potential of mobile devices in delivering education and medical information, especially in developing nations.
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The Future of Mobile Device Research in HCI Jacob O. Wobbrock Human-Computer Interaction Institute School of Computer Science Carnegie Mellon University
Trends • “Gap” between user and desktop widening • Both in time and space • Widespread mobile device proliferation • Mobile phones achieve huge penetration in Africa (Ferrett ’04) • Mobile device use is more intermittent than desktop use • Mobile devices are used in a wider variety of contexts • Environmental, social, contextual factors become increasingly important • Convergence of computing capabilities onto the phone • Take photos, play music, record notes, etc. • Our society is aging • 12% is 65+ in 2000; 20% will be 65+ in 2030; 419 million by 2050 • Accessibility of mobile devices will be an issue • .: Consider device context, not just capability
Research Responses • Improve mobile device accessibility • Small devices • Miniature buttons, keys • Tiny fonts • Postage-stamp screens • Low pixel counts • Poor contrast • Understand, sense, and adapt to “situational impairments” • Orientation • Light level, glare • Temperature • Vibration, walking • Gloves • Noisy environment • User attention/distraction?
Research Responses • Ubi-input • “Learn once, write anywhere” • Sensors everywhere • Many things will need some rudimentary input • Don’t want to learn a new technique for every new device • Simple, extensible techniques applicable to a variety of devices • MDITIM (Isokoski ’00), EdgeWrite (Wobbrock ’03) • Deliver education and medical information on mobile phones • Particularly in developing nations