In this chapter we examine the most significant factors that good design teams consider when creating a new mobile handset design. The consideration of these factors and the design decisions taken have a major impact on the nature and success of the mobile handsets which are launched into the market. Designing a handset could be thought of conceptually as similar to cooking with a master chef putting together a new recipe. Different ingredients (design handset influences) are fused together to create the overall flavor of the dish (mobile handset) depending on the style of cuisine the customer is looking for (e.g. smartphone user or ultra-low-cost handset user). Underpinning the success of a good meal is usually the style and personality of the chef who is willing to take risks, innovate and try out new ingredients and methods of cooking, and at times to challenge traditional methods of cooking. This is no different to mobile handset design, where the culture, leadership and ability to challenge conventional thinking can contribute to new ways of creating and experiencing a mobile handset. We will explore the key design influences on mobile handset design, based on a framework of key contributing factors. We believe that careful consideration of these influences leads a design team to a position where they can successfully answer a very important question: “Why should users use this particular mobile handset versus any alternative?” The strength of the answer to this question is a measure of the “engagement value” of the resultant design.

Core design influence – engagement value

When commencing a new handset design, the first priority is to decide how to embed deeply into the handset the experience the designer would like the user to have throughout their use of the handset. The experience begins at the first sight of the handset through advertising and promotion, and continues through the purchase experience, first use, then daily use, including downloading of applications and access to services. Finally the experience should be extended to the process of disposing of the handset, and hopefully then buying the next new handset from the same manufacturer.