Pocket PC eBooks Watch - eBook and beyond  
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Prof Call
The Usability of eBook Technology:
Practical Issues of an Application of Electronic Textbooks In a Learning Environment
Recommendations to Improve Usability of eBooks: The following primary recommendations relate to the usability of eBooks. The recommendations have been logically grouped into four categories including: menu, user manual, functionality, and physical aspects. The menu group refers to the functions and forms related to the eBook menu. The user manual category refers to aspects concerning the version of the user manual available on the eBook device. Functionality refers to specific functions of the eBook. Finally, the physical specifications section deals with the eBook as physical hardware. (Much more data is available upon request).
Menu
Make the menu selections more descriptive of the tasks they perform.
Redesign the eBook menu system to clearly delineate where to download existing eBook material vs. newly purchased eBook material.
Place a PowerPoint like button sticker on the cover of new eBooks to facilitate simple, initial use.
Change the menu term ‘lookup’ to ‘dictionary’ or ‘define’ on the B&W.
User Manual
Provide a paper version of the user manual that covers all possible tasks in detail.
Create shortcut button to manual for easy access.
Functionality
Provide ability to page up or down more than one page at a time.
Label icons clearly and specifically.
Provide more font sizes.
Incorporate a drag and drop option for the book marking feature.
Incorporate a spelling help feature onto the word search function.
Implement page numbers instead of percentage of text on the B&W.
Ensure page numbers remain constant regardless of the font size or text orientation.
Physical Specifications
Increase screen size to 6” x 8.5” for easier readability.

posted by Jerry permanent link