Right UI for All Hands

In my last post, I argued that problem with big smartphone screens is not in their size, but rather in unsuitable user interfaces. I also promised that I will reveal my special tool for UI calibration.

Tool will collect your biometric data and then present optimal UI layout.
Here are step-by-step instructions:

• Install drawing application like Skitch or Autodesk SketchBook Mobile
• Fill background with red color
• Choose brush and set color to yellow. With your thumb flat on the screen and keeping mobile in the same position, cover as much area as you can.
• Set color to green.  With the tip of your finger on the screen and keeping mobile in the same position, cover as much area as you can.

With 4" screen and hand size like mine, using right hand, you will get something like picture on the top right.

• In green area you can tap with good precision
• Yellow area is for hitting big buttons
• Red area is not reachable unless you wiggle your phone.

Every decent UI should put as much controls as possible in green area, use yellow for less precise work and avoid red completely.

Let's check how it worked out for Gmail. I made picture above semitransparent and laid it over screenshot of Gmail application. As you can see, bottom buttons are OK and list elements are reachable, but top buttons are inaccessible unless you start to juggle with phone.

All phones with bigger screens just increase red zone, including soon to be announced Samsung Galaxy S III with almost inch bigger screen.



Previously I shoved clever solution from default Android 4.0 browser, but it might be too clever for average user. Is there simpler solution? I can imagine two:

• leave only back button on top and mirror it on both sides for left and right handed users
• put the top on the bottom

Two backs

Title on bottom

Right option could be even configurable, after some design work. Have in mind that I am not in graphic design business. :)

This is my magical tool. It wasn't so hard and hopefully it will inspire UI guys to take big screens seriously.