Multipurpose Mobile Devices, Graphic User Interfaces, and Physical Affordances: A Case Study.

The paper suggests that multipurpose multimedia portable devices, such as cell phones capable of capturing and transporting media, are approached by users with a multiplicity of cognitive models derived from their prior experiences of using cameras, camcorders, PDAs and PCs. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 23 cognitive walk-through indicates that there was a gap between theoretically embracing a devicesÂ’ multi-functionality and actually using its capabilities. Subjects liked the plurifocal device, but could not always take advantage of its range of features. Subjects expressed a need for more physical controls and hardwired buttons. This response emerged not only because the users had formed particular mental models and associated behaviors from their past use of other devices. They also expressed a positive preference for immediate access and use of the controls within a multi-tasking environment. This suggests that as mobile computing becomes more prevalent, physical controls become more, not less important. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]