language considerations for mobile apps and devices
DESCRIPTION
New ways of interacting with software, like touch and voice, mean a rethinking of how we develop our associated user assistance. This session describes how micro-concise instructions can significantly improve our users’ initial experience with the mobile apps. It will also cover the vocabulary of touch as it applies to both mobile platforms and the emerging use with desktop systems.TRANSCRIPT
Design, Writing, & Development for Touch and
Voice Applications and Devices
Joe Welinske
Twitter: welinske
A Major Inflection Point
• New interactions with the UI…
• …require new techniques and processes
• Proprietary interactions…
• …make software development harder
• Uniquely customized UIs…
• …require decisions about language
Touch Today
• SmartPhones
• Tablets: iPad / Kindle Fire / Google Nexus
• Mac OSx Trackpad
• Windows 7 Touchpad
• Automotive Dash
• and now, Windows 8 desktop and tablets
Multi-touch Controls
• Multi-touch controls are not easily discoverable
• Multi-touch gestures to trigger certain features.
Quickoffice PhotoPad AccuTerra
x x
Tablet dimensions: allow for more
activity which can mean a complex
touch UI
The Ultimate Touch Easter Egg
The Language of Gestures
• Individual word choices are extremely important
• It is worth testing with users to find the best words.
• Word choices may change depending on the mobile platform
Gesture Language in UA
ToonPAINT Weightbot AutoCAD
x x
Gesture Language in UA
Convertbot Calvetica eBay
x x
Gesture Resources
Touch Gesture Reference Guide
www.lukew.com/ff/entry.asp?1071
• iOS
• Android
• Windows Phone
• Mac
• Windows
• Others
Gesture Comparison by Platform/Device
Gesture Comparison by Platform/Device
Translation Issues for Gesture Terms
Single-sourcing for Multiple Device Types
• Conditional Text• Based on device type• Based on UI type
• HTML5 / CSS / Media Query
• Authoring Tools
Device-specific instructions using conditional text
Device-specific instructions
Laptop
Phone
TV
Interaction-specific instructions
Tablet
Phone
TV
Car
Laptop
Windows 8
DesktopTablet
Phone
Car Dash
Home Ent.
NFC
Other UI Elements
Gallery of Android button bars
Sony Xperia Play
• Device-specific controls need consideration
iPhone User Guide
x
x
Use of iconsSupplemental
language
Set…
Turn…
Focus…
Zoom
Custom Language Choices
a. b. c.
x x
Select Edit Share
Double tap, hold and drag to select
Drag your finger while holding
Custom Language Choices – Windows Phone
Fantasia Paint Office Word
x
Photo Collage Tasks Anywhere
x
Voice Today
• iOS Siri
• Office ?
• Android Google Voice
• Ford Sync
Design, Writing, & Development for Touch and
Voice Applications and Devices
Joe Welinske
Twitter: welinske