Visual designer
Samsung electronics, 2014
Developed core scenarios around utilizing
bended display on a mobile device
Tired thumb
How do users hold mobile devices?
According to a study about how users hold their mobile devices, almost half of the users used only one hand to grip their phones and from various angles. However, as screens get larger, it becomes harder to control devices with a single hand. Reaching the top of the screen with the thumb can especially be strenuous.
Goal of the project
Optimize one hand operation by utilizing
a new display that continues around the edges
Early Research &
Exploration around form factor
We asked ourselves 3 key questions:
- How curved should it be for optimal display?
- How big should the surface in consideration of curved edges?
- Is it possible to tap the bended display and hold the device using one hand?
We tested mock ups with different round values (5.40 - 6.84), ultimately conclusing that more curved and narrower the display is, the harder it is to control.
Brainstorming interaction
We began brainstorming the potential opportunities by thinking about the different contexts the phone could be in
Main concepts
By the end of ideation,
we identified 4 key areas
1. Revolving UX
2. Expanded apps
3. Bended display reacts to context
4. Quick tools
1. Revolving UX
Swipe the bended display to activate preset functions from anywhere This allows users to get what they need without jumping out of the current application.
2. Expanded apps
Expand the application’s real estate to maximize the immersive experience.
For the camera, place all controls in the bended display area, keeping the viewfinder free of clutter and allowing easy access to the shutter button when the device is help in landscape mode.
While listening to a song, music controls appear the bended display area. No more need to leave the current application or open the notifications area to skip tracks.
3. Bended display reacts to context
When the pen is taken out,
actions related to the pen will show in the bended display.
When earphones are connected,
actions related to music will show in the bended display.
4. Quick tools
We designed a number functions specialized that can be used in general, such as ruler, stopwatch, timer, flashlight switch.
We shipped the project as a
Galaxy Note Edge in 2014.