Design of Palm Pilot
Rob Haitani
Presented by: Pankaj Thakkar
Overview of
Palm Pilot
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PIM Functionality
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Not a PC replacement
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Single button Hot Sync capability
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Touch sensitive screen with
handwriting recognition
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Less is More
Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.1” x 0.6”
Weight: 5.7 ounces
Power Source: 2 AAA batteries
Screen: 160x160 pixels; black &
white; touch sensitive
Processor: Motorola 68238
Operating System: PalmOS
Design Goals
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Build a better device than existing handhelds like Zoomer and
Newton
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Support a limited functionality efficiently
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Quick and instant access to information (frequently)
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Target audience: PC users
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Not a replacement for PCs. Provide Hot-Sync capability to
synchronize information with PCs.
Do the right thing
Non PC Design
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Don’t emulate the PC design blindly
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Mechanical buttons as well as software buttons
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No “Save” buttons/functions
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No application switching
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Predictability more important than consistency
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Software Miniaturization
Implementation Notes
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Every pixel counts. No fancy features
Make frequent tasks/functions easily accessible (e.g.
by reducing the number of taps)
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If in doubt, do a user-test to evaluate
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Minimize clutter. Assess user requirements.
Steps to Success
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Wireless two way email through handheld
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Context sensitive buttons (appearing/disappearing)
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No menu support ? (As of now Palm does support
pull down menus)
Usability Analysis
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Research about user preferences and requirements
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Do user testing from the beginning of the project
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Phone Test: If the other person can tell if you are
using a Palm for accessing information (like schedule,
phone numbers)
Palm v/s Windows CE
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CE design close to PC (windows) design
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CE uses menu, Palm does not
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According to Palm people, CE has extra bells and
whistles, the sluggish performance will be annoying
Palm design is kept simple and it is made to do
specific functions only
Conclusions
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Users want an efficient appliance (designed to do
specific tasks) not a small PC
The interface needs to be simple and predictable
Many of the design principles which hold in PC world
are not applicable in handhelds
Have many special purpose information appliances
than a big bulky all rounder