“Just-in-Place” Information for Mobile Device Interfaces

It is argued that the design of mobile device interfaces can benefit from spatial and temporal indexicality, reducing information complexity and interaction space of the device while focusing on information and functionality relevant here and now.

Abstract

This paper addresses the potentials of context sensitivity for making mobile device interfaces less complex and easier to interact with. Based on a semiotic approach to information representation, it is argued that the design of mobile device interfaces can benefit from spatial and temporal indexicality, reducing information complexity and interaction space of the device while focusing on information and functionality relevant here and now. Illustrating this approach, a series of design sketches show the possible redesign of an existing web and wap-based information service.