Next Generation Handset Design
Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 4:28 pm
OOMA Folk,
I have seen a recurring theme in the forum that you have likely seen as well, but that I will highlight anyway. This theme is the poor ergonomic design of the handset in the eyes of (I hate to say it and don’t take this the wrong way), but “woman user”. In many cases, OOMA / handset systems are purchased, installed, POTS system is cancelled, and then the negative feedback from the better half about the handset design begins. In fact, words like "hate" are frequently used. In my case, my bride will not even touch it at this point. And, yes there are complaints from men, however I see the bulk of complaints made by women.
As I have said before, I do not understand it. Personally, I do not see anything wrong with the physical attributes of the phone overall and I like many of the features. Perhaps it is a compilation of shortcomings in physical and display attributes. I am sure you have a list of technical improvements compiled as well.
That said, I would highly recommend that you obtain the services of the "woman user" when it comes time to consider a re-design of the handset. If you adopt this thinking and knock off a few prototypes, I would even go so far as to offer the services of my bride to evaluate some of these. Throw them in a box and send them out! When the time comes, I can assure you that you will have PLENTY of feedback!
Absent these considerations, in many cases the handsets will remain dust collectors.
I have seen a recurring theme in the forum that you have likely seen as well, but that I will highlight anyway. This theme is the poor ergonomic design of the handset in the eyes of (I hate to say it and don’t take this the wrong way), but “woman user”. In many cases, OOMA / handset systems are purchased, installed, POTS system is cancelled, and then the negative feedback from the better half about the handset design begins. In fact, words like "hate" are frequently used. In my case, my bride will not even touch it at this point. And, yes there are complaints from men, however I see the bulk of complaints made by women.
As I have said before, I do not understand it. Personally, I do not see anything wrong with the physical attributes of the phone overall and I like many of the features. Perhaps it is a compilation of shortcomings in physical and display attributes. I am sure you have a list of technical improvements compiled as well.
That said, I would highly recommend that you obtain the services of the "woman user" when it comes time to consider a re-design of the handset. If you adopt this thinking and knock off a few prototypes, I would even go so far as to offer the services of my bride to evaluate some of these. Throw them in a box and send them out! When the time comes, I can assure you that you will have PLENTY of feedback!
Absent these considerations, in many cases the handsets will remain dust collectors.
) Show your better half this one?
