3G LAB performs Usability Comparison of Two Camera Phones

3G LAB have released a report of the independent test, conducted by their usability consultant Matt Davies, into the usability of the two first commercially-available camera-phone products – the Nokia 7650 and the Sony-Ericsson T68i.

The goal of the test was to evaluate and compare the user experience of the camera function of the products, to find out from (six) users which phone they would choose to buy, and what factors made them choose one phone over the other.

The test was centred on first-time, 'out of the box' use – without prior learning for users.

Key findings included:
* All six users chose the Nokia 7650 as their preferred camera phone. Their choice was based on its ease of use and the quality of the handset product – its camera, screen, keypad and joystick.
* The T68i camera was not found to be focused on the users' tasks. 'The physical camera attachment and onscreen menus are not structured in the way users expect when using the camera capability.'
* Users combine many factors when choosing a phone. They initially chose the T68i, based on the look of the handset - but ease of use, screen quality and 'phone build quality' were all found to be factors in their final choice.
* Users don't expect current camera phones to replace their camera. 'They feel that camera phones will be an initial extra, which they would use less over time after the initial excitement period. Camera phones need to be very quick and easy to use if they are to use the camera at all.'

'It is quite clear from the results of this test that users liked attributes of each phone, but that they had a clear favourite once they had performed realistic tasks using each handset. This research emphasises how much handset manufacturers, and network operators can learn from testing with 'real users' and in doing so, increase their chance of designing a phone user interface that users choose over others on the market' concludes Davies.

The six users ranged from novice mobile users to experts, half were male, their ages from 22 to 34 and with a mixture of education levels and occupations.

The test was performed at the 3G LAB usability suite in Cambridge on 10th September 2002, using a test room where users work with the facilitator, joined by one way mirror glass to an observation room, where teams and clients can watch.

Onscreen action of the phone being tested was relayed with picture-in-picture video to a monitor and video recorder in the observation room. This enabled the sessions to be video recorded for analysis and reference.

Associated Link: Full report can be accessed here (after brief registration)

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