Device and User Research for Future Mobile

In the 2010s, smartphones evolved from phones, taking the form of small computers as personal communication terminals. Small electronic devices such as digital cameras, music players, and electronic dictionaries were integrated into mobile handsets in the form of software. In addition, new services such as Internet Information Retrieval, GPS navigation, and SNS communication have become major functions of mobile terminals. The main concept of mobile services expected in 2020 is that users' various information will be more closely linked to their handsets, evolving into one part of their body. Based on the infrastructure environment related to the Internet of Things technology, functions as a personal hub device for natural network management are needed.

• Client | Samsung Electronics
• Cowork | Minkyoung Lee (researcher), Prof. Kim Suzung (director), Junghwan Kim (senior researcher), Hyeyun Jeon (senior researcher), Heeseok Jung (Samsung Electronics DMC Research Center), Jiyoung Yoo (researcher), Eunji Kim (researcher), Hyewon moon (researcher), Dongchul Jo (researcher)
• Duration | 4 months
• Responsibility | user research, device research, mobile form development, user scenario, persona development
• Tools | Pixate, Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro

According to the information and characteristics of flexible material, we researched forms and structures of the future device. And we narrowed the directions into two types of shapes.

First is the edge display form. We tried to actively utilize the edge space that is underutilized from mobile phones.

For the second, We intended to expand the user experience and make more interactions by changing the degree of the product's appearance. We could see that the angle of the screen required was different according to the actions of the user. Therefore, we designed a device that can bend and perform needed functions according to the degree of bending.

We conducted a study on future mobile usage behavior and interaction in order to respond to these changes. We conducted our research in detail by predicting and validating motion gestures and usage patterns tailored to the technical characteristics of new mobile products.

Based on the research and studies, we made several user scenarios depending on situations of the user using the device. Theses are the parts of them.