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D-Pad: a serious design flaw

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Started by The PocketTV Team , Dec 14 2006 04:25 PM

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#1
The PocketTV Team
Posted 14 December 2006 - 04:25 PM

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The first thing I noticed in the Samsung i607 (aka Cingular Wireless BlackJack) is the very poor design of the D-pad, compared to that of the Mororola Q for example.

On the BlackJack, it is VERY difficult to press the RIGHT and LEFT D-Pad button without risking to accidentally press one of the two Soft-keys (or the center OK button).

The D-Pad ring is too small, and too close from those other important buttons.  Accidentally pressing one of the two Soft-keys instead of the RIGHT and LEFT D-Pad buttons often results in performing a unwanted actions.

Naturally, forget about using it to play games!

I cannot believe that such a poor User Interface design ended-up in million of devices on the street.  Don't they have usability tests at Samsung?

Edited by The PocketTV Team, 18 December 2006 - 01:47 AM.

#2
dstrauss
Posted 14 December 2006 - 09:43 PM

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View PostThe PocketTV Team, on Dec 14 2006, 10:25, said:

The first thing I noticed in the Samsung i607 (aka Cingular Wireless BlackJack) is the very poor design of the D-pad, compared to that of the Mororola Q.

On the BlackJack, it is very difficult to press the RIGHT and LEFT D-Pad button without risking to accidentally press one of the two Soft-keys (or the OK button).

The D-Pad ring is too small, and too close from those other important keys.  Accidentally pressing one of the Soft-keys instead of the RIGHT and LEFT D-Pad buttons can result in performing an unwanted action.

Naturally, forget about using it to play games!

I cannot believe that such a poor User Interface design ended-up in million of devices on the street.

In their quest for the thinnest design ever, I think they over did it. However, after a month with the Blackjack now, I've gotten to where I can control the dial pad 90-95% of the time without pushing the other keys.

#3
chucky.egg
Posted 14 December 2006 - 09:53 PM

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After a month?!?!
That's just dropped a lot in my estimation then.

Shame really, was looking very promising, but if after a month I wont be able to use the central controller accurately I think I'll give it a miss

#4
The PocketTV Team
Posted 15 December 2006 - 02:59 AM

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View Postdstrauss, on Dec 14 2006, 21:43, said:

In their quest for the thinnest design ever, I think they over did it. However, after a month with the Blackjack now, I've gotten to where I can control the dial pad 90-95% of the time without pushing the other keys.
i think there might be a way to improve the D-Pad by gluing small protruding pieces of plastic on the RIGHT and LEFT position.  i'll get some superglue and try that!

#5
spartanrob
Posted 15 December 2006 - 08:32 PM

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I bought circle egrips (www.egrips.com), they are the same size as the D-Pad, then used a hole puch to punch out the middle.  It's perfect.

#6
Sgt_Strider
Posted 16 December 2006 - 07:57 AM

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View Postspartanrob, on Dec 15 2006, 12:32, said:

I bought circle egrips (www.egrips.com), they are the same size as the D-Pad, then used a hole puch to punch out the middle.  It's perfect.

Which one did you get and do you have a picture of it applied to your phone?

#7
spartanrob
Posted 16 December 2006 - 03:26 PM

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View PostSgt_Strider, on Dec 16 2006, 07:57, said:

Which one did you get and do you have a picture of it applied to your phone?
Under the universal section there is one that is all circles.  Check out this thread and look at the picture in #6.  http://www.howardfor...d.php?t=1046469

#8
Fate-X-
Posted 17 December 2006 - 04:37 PM

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Okay, 1 thing i wanna say the D-Pad isnt a flaw because ppl with tiny fingers might be able to use it correctly. I for one haven't ever (so far) yet touched any other soft key by mistake and im not freak looking at each and every button i press but i dont have tiny fingers either so it depends on the person some guy might be able to get used to it but if you recently had any other smartphones or PDA with a bigger D-Pad then it might cause a problem for you

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#9
encece
Posted 18 January 2007 - 04:46 AM

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If you dont mind the bulk....you could find those little silicone feet you attach to the bottom of tabletop items to keep them from scratching the table.

I have one that fits perfectly (and black too)that I was using for a bit....but I actually got used to the flat pad after awhile...so I dont need it anymore.

-Nick

#10
encece
Posted 18 January 2007 - 04:47 AM

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If you dont mind the bulk....you could find those little silicone feet you attach to the bottom of tabletop items to keep them from scratching the table.

I have one that fits perfectly (and black too)that I was using for a bit....but I actually got used to the flat pad after awhile...so I dont need it anymore.

-Nick

#11
b o o
Posted 17 February 2007 - 06:01 PM

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I really dont have that much trouble with it yeah i do hit the red button a few times but nothing that wouldnt make me buy this phone again

#12
MadSci
Posted 23 March 2007 - 08:35 PM

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I followed your suggestion and added an egrips circle to my DPad.

WOW!!! What a difference!  It's almost like a new machine!  My accuracy, and the speed and confidence with which I can get around is greatly enhanced.

I have large hands, and I was forever pressing the central button when I wanted to use one of the 4-way switches.

This is the best 'enhancement' for the BlackJack in terms of usability I've seen yet.

Bravo!!!    :D

FYI: egrips now has a 'BlackJack' set.  It seems to cover the phone everywhere.  Can't see the need for that, unless you like to leave it on the dashboard of your rollercoaster  ;)    Strangely, they don't have a circle piece  <_<






View Postspartanrob, on Dec 16 2006, 15:26, said:

Under the universal section there is one that is all circles.  Check out this thread and look at the picture in #6.  http://www.howardfor...d.php?t=1046469

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