Fruit for thought: User interfaces depend more on hardware design than you think Part – 2

Better co-operation can solve hardware and user interface design compatibility problems

As technology continues to evolve, hardware designers are packing more and more processing power into smaller devices.  The convenience factor of a small portable phone or laptop is clear, but are they now becoming so small that it is becoming progressively more difficult for users to interact with the actual interface? In the case of the iPhone 4G,  it is anticipated that the small and sleek design will force the interface design to adapt, i.e. force the controls to be packed closely together, potentially making it difficult for users with large hands or fingers.  This would obviously frustrate users and lower the iPhone’s overall usability. Perhaps it seems like a picky point (maybe not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things), but the bottom line is that interface designers need to be thinking about the constraints of the hardware that serves as vessel for their apps or websites.  Thus, there should be a clear line of communication between the interface and hardware design teams.   This can only help create smooth and streamlined interaction between the two mutually dependent parts – the hardware and the user interface.  Apple’s recent reported and anticipated iPhone 4G problems aren’t really all that horrible or astonishing—but they do provide fruit for thought and bring to light the importance of hardware and user interface design working together.