At ergoweb.com you can find an article from Jennifer Anderson about some current issues in the ergonomicsreport about the usability of mobile phones:
“Cell phone design recently received a failing grade from a prominent ergonomist, and reviews of the devices in technology magazines support his convictions. The consensus? Cell phones have become too small, complicated and technical. He asserts that ergonomics is an afterthought for cell phone makers, an assertion disputed by an expert on usability from inside the cell phone industry.
In one respect, cell phones could be described as soundly ergonomic. For skin-tight occasions, Motorola makes the ultra-thin MotoRazr – the phone worn by the model in the company’s TV ad. Nokia’s answer is the haute-couture 8800, a miniscule accessory that was presented to the world on the runways of the Paris and Milan fashion houses. The same company makes N-Gage QD, shaped like a gaming console, for playing games between calls. These phones and their hundreds of cousins come with customizable features and options for fine-tuning preferences. Tools that fit individual needs demonstrate a core principle of ergonomics.
But if using a tool involves a struggle, it earns a “D” or worse for usability. A common criticism is that aim and accuracy suffer when adult hands finger child-sized buttons. Reviewers say tiny screens mar experiences like viewing pictures, browsing the Internet and emailing. Many regard the profusion of features as clutter, and want just the basics. Slow Web surfing, confusing icons and graphics and impenetrable instructions round out the picture of discontent.
Some users welcome all the features they can get on their phones, and regard complexity and struggle as an acceptable trade off. Others, arguably the majority, want simpler and less laden phones. ”
Internetverweis
Cell Phone Design Given a Failing Grade for Usability
