Optimizing apps for Smart Feature Phones — Part 2
By Morrie Chien, UX Designer at KaiOS
As the previous article mentioned, when we redesign smartphone apps, the goal is to transfer the touchable elements to physical keys, while maintaining an exceptional user experience. In this article, we’ll share a few more interesting design insights.
Gallery- Grid view and sorting
As the left image below shows, Gallery apps in smartphones show photos in ascending order by date. The most recent image is always at the bottom of the grid view.
In comparison, when we designed the Gallery app for smart feature phones, we adopted the descending order by date (right image). The newest photo is always on the upper-left corner of the grid view.
The reason? People tend to check their recent photos more often, and when these photos are at the top, they’re closer to the default position of their focus state. Essentially, it’s more convenient.
Gallery- Photo Editor
Let’s take a look at the device on the left. Photo editing can be easily done because of the smartphone’s large screen.
On smart feature phones, we follow the single focus rule. Doing one thing at a time is more suitable for smaller screens. Thus, the process of photo editing is divided into 2 steps: 1. Select adjustment and 2. Editing.
- Select adjustment: Users choose from adjustment options in the tab bar. Then, they press left or right on the D-pad to select a specific control and then the center key to confirm their selection and go to the next step.
- Editing: The editing process will depend on the control that the user selects. The Exposure control makes a slider appear, while other controls have different manual or automatic options.
Camera- Shot and switch modes
On smartphones, the viewfinder takes up most of the screen area.
On the lower portion, the shutter button at the center is the most important control. Above it is the tab for switching shot modes. Users can swipe to change between photos, videos, and other modes. All functions require users to touch the screen.
On smart feature phones, the viewfinder takes up the largest portion of the screen, too. But the controls are assigned to physical keys. The shutter function is assigned to the Center key while switching between photo and video is assigned to the left and right keys.
From traditional film cameras to digital cameras, pressing physical buttons has always been a part of taking photos. On smart feature phones, users find a similar mechanism for capturing memorable moments.
Camera- Zoom
Since smart feature phones have no touchscreen, users can’t pinch their screen to zoom in or out. They can, however, press the up and down keys. The direction is similar to traditional zoom lenses: they press up for Telephoto view and down for Wide angle view.
While redesigning apps for smart feature phones, we found common traces between smart feature phones and vintage devices. We believe that these similarities can help users step into the digital era.
Please share your feedback and thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article, leave us a clap! Stay tuned for the next installment of our UX series.
Stay up to date on Kai’s journey by reading our blog or following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
