Windows Mobile: Simplicity = Power

I recently moved from using a Palm Treo to a Motorola Q device as my everyday device. This isn't due to any preference, I just keep cycling through all the hardware I can as it helps me know the products I'm trying to help developers support.

Like the Treo, the Q is a device with a keyboard. That's about where the similarity ends though: the Q is a Smartphone, rather than a Pocket PC, and has a landscaped screen. The physical dimensions of the Q are good, and it feels thin and is easy to carry.

As a result, I'm currently writing some applications for the Q that will turn into Starter Kits, and I'm really trying very, very hard to make these applications something that I would actually use.

Here's what I like in an application:

1. It's simple.

It's completely obvious what it does, there's no need to read any instructions. It just works.

2. It's simple.

The user interface is elegant and minimalist. It looks nice.

3. It's simple.

I can operate it quickly and easily with one hand, without any weird key combinations.

4. It's simple.

Although it looks as though it's a wee bit limited in function, when you use it, you realize it's powerful. All the features aren't right there in your face all the time - they're hidden away until you need them. Having every feature displayed on a menu option may make your program look powerful, but really it's just clutter. People like discovering features: that's not to say you should hide them, just keep them out of the way until someone might actually need it.

So I'm reading quite a few books on user interface design, and testing my application on random people, and I'd welcome any suggestions for websites or books that would help.

Here are the books I'm currently loving:

• The Laws of Simplicity - John Maeda
• Envisioning Information - Edward R. Tufte
• The Design of Everyday Things - Donald A. Norman
• About Face - Alan Cooper and Robert M. Reinmann

Comments

• Anonymous
  October 05, 2006
  Since I see that you have purchased the Q, don't spend the money on the wifi mini sd card.  The phone will not support it, it all boils down to voltage in the slot.  The device does not supply enough amperage to the SD slot to power the card.  In my own opinion that is the only thing lacking in this phone, is a wifi connection.  I have had it for a few months now and I am developing an application which needs to taget both smartphone and pocketpc, and from using both type of devices, I can honestly say wifi in a device is nice!!!

• Anonymous
  October 05, 2006
  Haha.. I didn't say I had bought it. One of the perks of working here, don't you know, is you get access to the hardware. Disappointing that the Wifi doesn't work. Has anyone found a way of adding Wifi to a Q? Targetting an application to Pocket PC and Smartphone is not as easy as it could be, please do share your experiences as this is one thing we are working on explaining better.