Mobile business: International user research study reveals the requirements of users
Whether it is for banking, shopping, or online auctions: mobile transactions via cell phone, smart phone or PDA are more and more common. The International Usability Partners (IUP) examined this trend topic in an international user research study. User Interface Design GmbH (UID) and the IUP presented the results on the conference "Usability Professionals’ Association (UPA) Europe 2008".
Portable end device allow mobile transactions and pose a great challenge to providers and users of such services. What concepts work well? Where are design barriers or acceptance problems? What services are really useful? These questions are answered by the IUP survey. Under the title "Using mobile devices for mobile transactions", strengths and weaknesses of mobile transaction services were evaluated.
Optimal user experience despite variable context of use
"Small displays, limited input options and insecure internet connections often restrict the use of a mobile device", says Jakob Biesterfeldt, Manager User Research at UID. Through variable places of use – while walking, at piblic places or in the car –, a context of use which is hardly calculable is added. Nevertheless, an optimal user experience awaits the users. Based on the collected data, the IUP developed recommendations for providers and designers of mobile transaction services.
More than 100 participants worldwide
Within the survey, the IUP conducted discussions worldwide with 14 focus groups including more than 100 participants. Some participants already use mobile transactions contributing positive and negative experiences. Fears and prejudices also came up. Users from China, Germany, Finland, France, Great Britain, Italiy and Spain participated in the survey.
The IUP presented the results from 4 to 6 December 2008 on the „Usability Professionals’ Association (UPA) Europe 2008“ in Turin on a poster. Sylvia Thalmeier, Usability Engineer at UID, reported on usability testing in China. As a founder member of the IUP, UID is a Platin Sponsor of the conference.
Links for further information
100 participants worldwide were interviewed in focus groups.
A poster summarizes the results.