2.2.
Stakeholders
According to Statistics Canada, 72.4% of Canadian households are using at least one cellphone. This
particular cellphone is marketed towards consumers who are looking for a cellphone for personal
use (as opposed to a business-oriented Smartphone). A cellphone for personal use must be portable
and provide the previously mentioned functionality at a minimum. More specifically, this type of
phone would appeal to consumers who value its stylish exterior, which is especially true for
teenagers and young adults.
2.3.
Requirements and Constraints
As a personal device that a user accesses frequently throughout the day, certain expectations of the
user must be met. These expectations include the following:
•
Quick access to important functionality such as dialling a number, accepting incoming calls,
and sending/receiving text messages. These functionalities become even more important in
safety critical situations (such as in emergencies)
•
Reliability in terms of calls can be made and received successfully, with no unexpected
disconnection in service
•
Sufficient battery life. A user may go several days without access to a power outlet, and
must ensure that he or she can still contact others in an emergency
•
Portable in size and weight. A cellphone must be with a user at all times, and therefore must
be small and light enough to fit in a user’s pocket.
2.4.
Interface Design Problems
As an owner and a user of the LG Shine TU-720 cellphone, I found that there are several design flaws
with the device that affects my user experience. These are described in the following subsections.
2.4.1.
Difficult-to-use Joypad
As shown in a previous figure, the joypad is an elevated metallic disc located at the centre of the
phone when open. Because the metallic disc itself is smooth, it is often hard to navigate in any
of the four directions as my thumb constantly slips away due to the lack of friction. I find myself
trying to press the joypad down with more pressure to increase the friction, but often accidently
press the joypad button by mistake.
2.4.2.
Unclear Joypad Shortcut Keys
The LG Shine TU-720 interface includes a joypad with 2 keys located on the left and right side.
There are no icons or labels that indicate what the purpose of each button is for. Looking at the
GUI on the phone’s LCD, however, it is quite clear what pressing each of the two keys beside the
joypad does, but it is not clear what pressing the joypad button or each of the four directions on
the joypad will do.
