260 likes | 501 Views
The Interaction Design of Microsoft Windows CE. Sarah Zuberec Productivity Appliance Division, Microsoft Corp . Presented By : Ugur Kuter Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Outline. Introduction User Interface (UI) Design Goals Evolution of Design
E N D
The Interaction Design of Microsoft Windows CE Sarah Zuberec Productivity Appliance Division, Microsoft Corp. Presented By: Ugur Kuter Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
Outline • Introduction • User Interface (UI) Design Goals • Evolution of Design • Handheld PC (H/PC) • Palm PC (P/PC) • Auto PC (A/PC) • Comparison: Windows CE vs. PalmPilot • Conclusions
Introduction – Windows CE • An operating system designed to run on • computers that are considerably smaller than PCs • portable devices designed to be a “Desktop Companion” • products that support TV-, Internet-related applications
Outline • Introduction • User Interface (UI) Design Goals • Evolution of Design • Handheld PC (H/PC) • Palm PC (P/PC) • Auto PC (A/PC) • Comparison: Windows CE vs. PalmPilot • Conclusions
User Interface Design Goals • Achieve consistency rather than predictability • Make use of users’ existing PC expertise • Support user tasks on various platforms • Develop systems that are easy to integrate with existing PC systems
Outline • Introduction • User Interface (UI) Design Goals • Evolution of Design • Handheld PC (H/PC) • Palm PC (P/PC) • Auto PC (A/PC) • Comparison: Windows CE vs. PalmPilot • Conclusions
Evolution of Windows CE Design:Handheld PCs (H/PCs) [1995] • The first H/PC prototype contained concepts of desktop PCs but did not have much affinity • Screen size 480 x 240 pixels • Input/Output Methods • A keyboard for touch-typing • A touch screen for navigation on the interface • Silk-screened buttons that enabled global functionality • Single-tap activation for the applications
Evolution of Windows CE DesignHandheld PCs (H/PCs) [1995] • Usability Testing: Controlled Experiments • People found the size of certain targets too small • People were not able to identify the active areas on the interface • People were confused with the selection / activation model • In other words, the interface design is failed!
Evolution of Windows CE DesignHandheld PCs (H/PCs) [1995] • New interface that strongly resembles Windows Desktop • The same input/output characteristics, tasks and product goals • Usability Testing • Most targets are perceived as too small to hit • Single-tap activation is efficient • Auto-save model fails
Evolution of Windows CE DesignPalm PC (P/PC) [1998] • Design Goals • Fit the H/PC interface into a smaller size • 320 x 240 pixel screen • Provide quick information look-up and entry • Enable information customization • Make it smaller and easy to carry • Alternative Input/Output methods to H/PC • Hardware buttons for scrolling up/down • Handwriting recognition and voice recording
Evolution of Windows CE DesignPalm PC (P/PC) [1998] • Usability Testing: Controlled Experiments • Data entry using a small on-screen keyboard is tedious • The use of keyboard is rated as easiest to use • Subjects were the fastest and most accurate with the keyboard • In general, handwriting recognizer is rated low as an input method
Evolution of Windows CE DesignAuto PC (A/PC) [1998] • First product that deviates from the Windows 95 look designed to support tasks of a mobile professional while driving • Uses New forms of Input/Output Methods • No stylus and no touch screen • A numeric keypad for character inputs • Speaker-independent voice command interface • Sound feedback about the state of the system • Infrared connections to H/PCs and P/PCs
Evolution of Windows CE DesignAuto PC (A/PC) [1998] • Usability Testing: Field Studies • Interoperability of in-car equipment was compelling • People usually plan their tasks before getting into the car • They need to be kept informed about schedule changes • The data is then synchronized at the office/home
Outline • Introduction • User Interface (UI) Design Goals • Evolution of Design • Handheld PC (H/PC) • Palm PC (P/PC) • Auto PC (A/PC) • Comparison: Windows CE vs. PalmPilot • Conclusions
Target audience: PC users Designed as a Desktop companion Consistency Application switching Multiple taps required to access information Target audience: PC users Does not emulate PC design Predictability No application switching Quick and instant access to information Windows CE vs. Palm
Outline • Introduction • User Interface (UI) Design Goals • Evolution of Design • Handheld PC (H/PC) • Palm PC (P/PC) • Auto PC (A/PC) • Comparison: Windows CE vs. PalmPilot • Conclusions
Conclusions • Implemented in a way to achieve consistency • Take something that users understand and use • And copy it • Familiarity and functionality is satisfied; but not usability • Interface consistency is not enough to ensure success • Long-term usage is hampered
Conclusions • Despite these facts • Respect must be given to desktop Windows when creating Windows CE interfaces • One cannot ignore Windows to create successful products • So, the saga continues….