User Experience Design Principles

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The Ultra-Mobile PC is particularly well-suited for applications that emphasize content consumption over content creation, and that give users spontaneous and precise command and control. Quick, simple and direct access to rich and engaging content is the hallmark of a great Ultra-Mobile PC user experience.

Design Principles

Use the following set of high-level design principles to address user scenarios and guide feature development for Ultra-Mobile PC software.

Design principles for an optimal Ultra-Mobile PC user experience

Principle Description

Simple and direct

Don't try to do everything-do a few things very well.

Enjoyable and desirable

Invest in visual appeal and excitement.

Personal

Meet individual user's needs by designing an application in which altering the configuration is easy. Consider interfaces that are adaptive to different peripheral accessories and locations.

Glanceable

Create a user interface that does not need to be studied. Users should be able to read the display at a glance to quickly gather necessary information in situations where their attention isn't fully-focused.

Efficient

Enable quick, convenient access to information and tasks. Minimize the number of displayed options and settings.

Casual

Optimize for users to consume rather than create content. Ensure quick accessibility and avoid overly dense displays of information.

Consistent

Maintain consistency with the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines.

Extensible

Take advantage of the Windows Vista development environment, UMPC-specific tools, and UMPC-specific guidance to develop a rich software experience.

Secure

Ensure that users feel confident that personal data is safe and private.

 

Additional Recommendations

  • Use a mode that incorporates full-screen displays and asks users to accomplish one task at a time.
  • Invest extra time to create a well-designed, complete user interface.
  • Design applications that encourage personalization.
  • Investigate opportunities for extending the user experience through specialized hardware.
  • Optimize the application for touch interaction.

Optimizing Touch Command and Control

 

 

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Build date: 2/8/2011