Finger Input Preferred over Stylus
Boston, MA - 31 May 2007 - As part of the recently released report, "Positive Learning Curve for Touchscreen Devices," the Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Lab evaluated mobile user perceptions of, and reactions to, touchscreen input on a range of mobile devices. The Wireless Device Lab benchmark sessions uncovered a very strong, positive learning curve for touchscreen input as well as an absolute requirement for finger input capability to supplement the traditional stylus.
David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice, noted, "Propensity to select a touchscreen-only device increases by 23 index points once users find that they can produce accurate and fast input either by hand or with an option to choose stylus or digit input."
"Durability of the screen remains the number one concern for touchscreen devices. However, accuracy-enhancing technology and visual--rather than haptic--feedback are also keys to success," added Paul Brown, Senior User Experience Analyst.
The Strategy Analytics Advanced User Panel participants were observed and recorded during in-depth task completion audits to gain insight into their opinions and views on touchscreen technologies on mobile devices. While user experience experts observed time, speed and accuracy variables, participants were asked to enter a series of 30 random characters using each touchscreen device. Participants were then asked for their feedback on a quantitative and qualitative basis. Quantitative feedback was gathered with respect to ease of entering the characters, speed of entering such characters with accuracy, as well as overall input experience.
Touchscreen input was tested on devices made by Cingular, LG, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Samsung.
Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Laboratory