Using non-speech sounds in mobile computing devices.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION One of the main problems with output from small, hand-held mobile computing devices is the lack of screen space. As the device must be small to fit into the user's hand or pocket there is no space for a large screen. Much of the work on presentation in standard, desktop interfaces relies on a large, high-resolution screen. The whole desktop metaphor, in fact, relies on such a method of presentation. This means that much of the research on effective screen design and information output cannot be generalised to mobile devices. This has resulted in devices that are hard to use, with small text that is hard to read, cramped graphics and little contextual information. Lack of screen space is not a problem that can easily be improved with technological advances; the screen must fit on the device and the device must be small; screen space will always be in short supply. Another problem is that whatever screen there is will be unusable in a mobile telephone once the device is