Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Windows Phone 7 design issue

I own a htc - windows 7 phone. On making a call, the buttons are presented. Whenever I speak holding the phone (which is a must obviously), my finger tend to touch the closest button and that happens to he "Hold". So, almost each time I get a call either I tend to press "Hold" unintentionally or have to be extra careful in not touching that "dreaded button" since critical piece of information might be lost (imagine speaking to your manager or taking an interview). It's also embarassing having someone speak and putting them on hold! (I am right handed) - these should have be brainstormed or caughed during UX or usability testing. The "Hold" button should be moved to the center and may be have one of the less impacting button (such as Mute) at the critical edge to avoid embarrasement or the user's inconvenience. Is someone saying that thankfully its on the "End" button at the current tricky spot.. I relate this to the observation of a server in a restaurant, the plate's end where a "smart/observant/customer focussed" server places the fork and the knife, depending on which handed the customer is. For a right handed customer, the knife goes to the right end of the plate and the fork to the left end of the plate! Software design can be as simple as that! Involve testers/QA folks upfront dear friends!