Abstract
technology implementation, but design that reflects optimal user experience (UX) is needed for the 1st generation foldable products to meet user expectation. This study intends to suggest a design guideline for implementation of better foldable phone UX by investigating user experience, of foldable phones.
Methods : In the early stage of the research process, we analyzed UX captured on videos of user reviews of foldable phones when foldable phones had not yet officially entered the market. We also collected and analyzed the user’s demands, needs, and expected experience by having users experience the full-size prototype. In the later stage of the research when Samsung Galaxy Fold was released to the market, this study collected direct user experiences by observing and interviewing users in the store.
Result : By analyzing precedent studies, this study suggested design properties for flexible display UX into 3 categories: change of shape, interaction, and direction. Also, this study developed a framework or user research by integrating the design properties with 5 UX evaluation elements as usefulness, usability, sensitivity, interactivity, and reliability. According to the result of user research, screen interfaces, the device’s physical properties, and the device’s physical durability were highlighted in the "change of shape" aspect of foldable phones. In the "interactivity" aspect, the dynamics of interface transformation design and information design for folding interaction were addressed. In the "directivity" aspect, a design direction for folding types based on users’ preference was proposed.
Conclusion : This study can be valued in the identification of design properties for foldable phone UX based on a literature study and the development of a systematic framework for evaluating foldable phone UX against evaluative UX elements. As foldable phones are receiving positive assessment and attention from people despite its high price, the market outlook of foldable phones can be considered relatively bright. We expect that our initial research on UX design of foldable phones may contribute to the increase of foldable phones with more enhanced UX and relevant academic research.
Methods : In the early stage of the research process, we analyzed UX captured on videos of user reviews of foldable phones when foldable phones had not yet officially entered the market. We also collected and analyzed the user’s demands, needs, and expected experience by having users experience the full-size prototype. In the later stage of the research when Samsung Galaxy Fold was released to the market, this study collected direct user experiences by observing and interviewing users in the store.
Result : By analyzing precedent studies, this study suggested design properties for flexible display UX into 3 categories: change of shape, interaction, and direction. Also, this study developed a framework or user research by integrating the design properties with 5 UX evaluation elements as usefulness, usability, sensitivity, interactivity, and reliability. According to the result of user research, screen interfaces, the device’s physical properties, and the device’s physical durability were highlighted in the "change of shape" aspect of foldable phones. In the "interactivity" aspect, the dynamics of interface transformation design and information design for folding interaction were addressed. In the "directivity" aspect, a design direction for folding types based on users’ preference was proposed.
Conclusion : This study can be valued in the identification of design properties for foldable phone UX based on a literature study and the development of a systematic framework for evaluating foldable phone UX against evaluative UX elements. As foldable phones are receiving positive assessment and attention from people despite its high price, the market outlook of foldable phones can be considered relatively bright. We expect that our initial research on UX design of foldable phones may contribute to the increase of foldable phones with more enhanced UX and relevant academic research.
| Translated title of the contribution | An Evaluation of User Experience of Foldable Phones in Terms of Design Attributes and Proposed Future Design Directions |
|---|---|
| Original language | Korean |
| Article number | 48 |
| Pages (from-to) | 63-80 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of Integrated Design Research |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2019 |