CellPhoneMusicPlayer-TimothyYung
From CS160 User Interfaces Sp09
Contents |
Cell Phone Music Player User Interface Design
Design #1
Description
This design is a simple player with all the interface elements present on-screen. The idea for this was a simple music player that could be controlled intuitively by using the number pad to control playback of the current song.
Advantages
- All interface elements are visible on one screen.
- Controls are easy to figure out because they're on-screen.
- The "hidden" shortcut buttons allow leeway for mis-clicks.
- User can go to previous/next track without looking at the cell phone.
- User can change the volume without looking at the cell phone.
Disadvantages
- The enabled/disabled feedback for shuffle/repeat may not be intuitive.
- The use of the number pad is not intuitive.
- The hidden "shortcut" buttons may confuse the user.
- User might scroll the wheel and change volume unintentionally.
Design #2
Description
This design is somewhat of an iteration of Design #1. It was designed to avoid using the number pad and also show useful information such as the current playback position (in time). To avoid unintentional volume changes, the volume button was created.
Advantages
- Most of the interface elements are on-screen.
- Easy seeking using the wheel.
- Elapsed/remaining time visible.
- Does not use the number pad.
- User won't unintentionally change the volume.
- User can play/pause without looking at the cell phone.
Disadvantages
- User may not know which wheel rotation seeks forward/backward.
- The enabled/disabled feedback for shuffle/repeat may not be intuitive.
- User might scroll the wheel and seek unintentionally.
- Using Call/End to change tracks is nonintuitive.
- User may have difficulty changing the volume without looking at the cell phone.
Design #3 (Preferred Alternative)
Description
This design is a radical departure from the typical music player interface seen in Design #1 and #2. This design shows the playlist (that shuffles when shuffled is enabled, displaying the new shuffled order), allowing the user to pick songs with more freedom. All of the usual features are still present, but they are represented slightly differently.
Advantages
- Ability to pick song and view shuffled playlist.
- Playlist can be re-shuffled to the user's liking.
- Accidentally scrolling the wheel does not incur major penalties.
- Intuitive toggle descriptions for shuffle/repeat.
- Uses minimal buttons (i.e. left/right button, wheel).
Disadvantages
- Interface may confuse first-time users.
- In order to pause, the user must hover over the current song. (Can probably be fixed by using Call/End in the design.)
- Scrolling through a long list of songs may take a long time.
- Clicking right button (i.e. Volume) creates a temporary mode.
