CRITIQUE #8
Blackberry Interface
BlackBerry Mobile
Visibility of System Status:
The system continuously provides feedback to the user about the system status with the help clear and precise symbols for Phone battery, network signal, incoming call, messages etc.
Match Between the system and the real world:
The symbols used on the display screen provide a good match between the system and the real world. Like the battery, network, message icon, phone book icon and call log icon all these symbols provide a good match between the system and the real world.
However the keys on the mobile do not provide this match satisfactorily
The circle in the middle as shown in the figure is used for scrolling through various icons and menus which is not known to a novice user. Also, one has to just slide over the circular ball(acting as a mouse on the PC) to navigate through different menus which may not be an action fitting the mental model of most of the mobile users as they are used to moving the mouse up,down,right,left as opposed to sliding finger over it.
The five dots on the left of this circular mouse is a symbol for going to the main menu which is again not obvious.
Consistency and Standards:
There is a good consistency and standard between the different system icons and screens
Error Prevention:
There are ways to accommodate user errors. Example if a user hits cancel button while typing a text message, a confirmation box pops up confirming user’s action. Messages are auto saved in the drafts box. Same is the case with task menu or memo pad.
Recognition Rather than Recall:
Some buttons the user needs to remember like the menu button, the use of circular ball in the center as scroller and ways to turn on off the phone and volume control are a few things that the user has to remember.
Aesthetics and minimalist design:
Overall the product looks good and the color scheme, display and choice of icons is good.