I would like analyze my Nokia Express Music 5610 cell phone according the Nelson’s 10 usability Heuristics for User interface.
1. Does it have “Simple and natural dialog”? My answer is Yes, it does. The system should “keep users informed about what is going on”. I know always where I am, which part of menu is active at that time, what mode is active, what function is starting. For example if sending of a message was denied I can see that on the screen. To check my email I just need go to the menu and choose email icon. Every time when I choose any icon system displays description of this option like:”t-zones” allows you to access mobile internet browser”
2.Does it “Speak the user’s language”?. Yes, it does. All the function have understandable names like Gallery, Media, Organizer, Messaging, Settings.
3. Does it “Provide clearly marked exits”? Yes. It does provide a clearly marked “emergency exit” . If I do sending the massage to the wrong number I can always cancel the sending. The same if I changed the setting in the wrong order I can always cancel or reset them.
4. Consistency. I did not have the problem with my phone when “different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing”. For example Phone Settings defined as Setting in the phone’s menu when Massaging Setting are defined as Message settings. There is no confusion. Everything is pretty much clear and obvious. All the commands have different names and have different display appearance.
5.Good error messages. There is always confirmation option on my phone before I commit to the action which is provide by the system.
6.Recognition rather than recall. It does “minimize user memory load by making all the objects, actions, and options visible” and makes my life easier. All the icons are pretty common and recognizable.
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use. The phone provides shortcuts. After I got to used to my phone which did not take long time I can use shortcuts and efficiently it.
8.Aesthetic and Minimalist Design. The phone does have minimalist Design. Dialogues do not contain Extra information which is not necessary for me.
9.Prevent errors. Error messages expressed in understandable language , indicate the problem, and constructively suggest a solution. I don’t see any error #…. All the problems are indicated with simple messages.
10.Documentation and Help is provided by Nokia. I took a look when I just got my phone and as I remember it was pretty simple to use and understand.
So I am pretty much happy with my cell phone. My previous choice was Sony Ericson. It was a little bit more complicated to use. At least many people who tried to make a call from my cell phone often asked my help. Nokia I believe is more simple to use.
After reading your heuristics comparison, I too think your Nokia phone is user friendly and an excellent music player. The ability to choose the music and the internet download really do allow freedom to music lovers. Comparing to the Oakley’s music-playing sunglasses I researched on, Nokia music phone is a much better device, and not to mention cheaper.