Selection > Interaction patterns for Deutsche Telekom
From mobile phones to web access, new services and devices are on the increase. However, the willingness of most users to learn new functions for each new product is not. To achieve maximum usability, Deutsche Telekom has invited Intuity to design universal interfaces that can be applied in a wide range of products.
- Task
- From mobile phones to PDAs and telephone or internet service portals, consumers are faced with a vast choice of telecommunication products and services. There’s no doubt, the more familiar the user is with certain functions, the easier it is to operate the device and the better the user experience (for example, using the login process on hotmail sites or downloading music files). If he/she is required to read manuals or learn new functions with every new purchase, the consumer may be less willing to engage with the product. As one of the world’s largest telecommunication companies with a wide range of products and services, these considerations are vital to Deutsche Telekom. That’s why in 2007, researchers at Deutsche Telekom’s laboratories (T-Labs) asked Intuity to collaborate with Germany’s top research institute, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, to define standards for all Deutsche Telekom products and applications.
- Solution
- In collaboration with T-Labs in Berlin and scientists from various disciplines, Intuity devised strategies to help meet Deutsche Telekom’s need for technically and visually universal interfaces. These were based on so-called Interaction Design Patterns, which product designers can refer to whenever they develop a new product. These patterns contain guidelines for logical operating sequences as part of particular interactive processes. They also feature universal design characteristics in line with Deutsche Telekom’s corporate identity.
- Result
- Initially, we delivered a White Book describing, clearly and succinctly, all visual components for Deutsche Telekom devices and services. This assists the company’s interface designers in developing new projects, and it ensures users enjoy the products’ improved usability. Combined with the use of consistent corporate design, our efforts help strengthen the brand considerably.