Palm Banking: Design Report

Introduction

The analysis of the Palm Banking client (see analysis report) is further developed in this second report and a redesigned system is proposed, addressing most user interface problems discovered in the prototype. Further suggestions from real Piloteers influenced the iterative design process.

The user interface (UI) design philosophy is to create a fast application as well as to match use frequency and accessibility, which includes the ability to:

• Execute key commands quickly.
• Navigate to key screens quickly.
• Find key data quickly.

The menu-centric navigation is replaced by functional connections, where the user first selects an object and then applies an appropriate action. This proposal is in contrast to the previous behavior, where certain operations required a list selection before the corresponding data was presented. With the new approach less or equal stylus tabs are necessary to perform most functions, resulting in a grand usability enhancement.

This paper discusses only the "front-end" of the Palm Banking system. I assume that the technical implementation is feasible like the secure, wireless communication for domestic customers. The analysis of the existing mock-ups proofed as a good starting point for gathering requirements. Additional alternatives have been considered from early feedback and studying the built-in Palm software.

Improved GUI: account transfer before and after the redesign

Conclusion

The renewed Palm Banking system delivers a great "out-of-the-box" experience for mobile retail customers and builds on these essential design elements for a PalmPilot program:

• Design for the small screen size.
• Limit text input on the handheld.
• Provide seamlessly synchronization with a desktop computer.
• Make the application small and fast.

One of the biggest challenges a handheld application designer faces is how to fit data in the screen display on a portable companion. Additionally the lack of a keyboard makes text entry difficult, so its easier to pick objects from lists. The following ways to optimize the interface were applied during the redesign:

• Minimize the number of taps to complete frequent actions.
• Minimize screen clutter by hiding infrequent actions.
• Provide command buttons for common multi-step activities.
• Minimize switching or scrolling screens.

I prefer the visual approach of envisioning design and trying out alternatives, but appreciate the structured task analysis to identify problems from a different perspective. The synergy of both, the creative and the formal method helped me to produce an even superior product to be evaluated in the next phase (evaluation report). Building a rapid prototype would be quite beneficial for this evaluation.

Simplicity, software modules or even a payment reader might be the focus of the resulting end user feedback.

Download

Download the PDF document of the complete design report for Palm Banking. See the table of contents for more details.

Palm Banking: Design Report (29 pages, 205 kB)

Table of Contents