Netfuture: The future is networked

Smartphones and apps have been hyped for over a decade now. But sometimes, the smartphone is not the smartest thing to get an interaction done. A dedicated device or even a plain old phone may be better. Let us look at some advantages of telephones.

Where (dumb, cordless) phones beat smartphones

• Always on: The phone is always unlocked, no additional step required.
• Group use: The phone can be used by anyone within easy reach.
• Quick access: It is always ready for dialling.
• Eye-free operation: Because of its tactile UI (real buttons), an experienced user can operate it without having to set eyes on it.
• Hands-on operation: No touch screen! So, it does not care where you hold it; it will not confuse holding fingers and pressing fingers.
• Visibility: The phone is often placed well reachable and visible.
• Findable: And it is rarely set to silent mode.
• Battery life: Batteries of cordless phones are in the famous Nokia 3310 ballpark.
• Cloud-free: It does not require a cloud with its potential availability and security problems. You remain in control.

An app is not always right

Dear designers of “smart” devices: Please do consider using real, physical interfaces for some applications. Your users might be safer and feeling more secure.