Mobile phones-handsets need design changes.

It is a fact that the younger generation is the biggest customer segment for Mobile Phones, but that is not the only segment!

There are Middle aged people as well as elderly people too who do need and use Mobile Phones, but all the handsets are designed as if all customers are teenagers only.

The designs, color schemes, font size, screen size, utilities, additional functions, keypad, the entire focus is for youth only.

The keys are so small that you need tiny wiry fingers to operate the key pad. If you exert slightly higher pressure with stubby fingers, the key jumps and the function goes awry.

The writings/markings on the keys are so tiny that people needing reading glasses find it difficult to operate without putting on the glasses first.

When you are providing so huge screens, why should the font size remain so small? Why can’t the incoming caller ID or the message be displayed using a larger and bolder font?

The backlit keys make it impossible to distinguish from each other and identify the correct key unless you have a perfect 6/6 vision and model like pair of hands with thin fingers! And pointed fingernails!

Why cant the handsets be designed for normal, grown up, decent people without any flashy features& gaudy colors? Why can’t the sets be made elegant, user friendly, utilitarian, rugged, and durable, instead of being fragile, too small, too user unfriendly, too many useless features & functions that are rarely ever used. Despite the larger screen size & keypad size why should the font as well as the keys to be miniature sized?

If you want to create a directory of frequently used numbers that can be dialed quickly for calling or sending a message, it is a very complicated process.

There can be hundreds of improvements & design changes that can give your brand unique USP and marketing advantage over other brands. In addition to existing models, you can and must design newer models for Middle aged and the elderly who have poorer vision, stubbier fingers, lesser ability to learn and imbibe as well as remember complex operating procedures and steps.

Why should every handset manufacturer, have a totally different design & user interface? Why can’t they standardize the basic design,layout of keys,user interface. Just as the keypads of, computers, telephone instruments, calculators etc. have been standardised all over, why all mobile handset manufacturers agree to some common design parameters and make life easier. Why can’t the battery charger be also standardized so that one need not have a number of chargers at home, in office and in the car?

I urge the handset manufacturers think on all the above and come out with an improved model which fits and elegant, decent, well heeled, elderly/middle aged user who can and will spend a few dollars more for a decent , more user friendly handset .