User Centered

Anonymous writes: thank you

fef writes: Wow you sure complain a lot for nothing!!! Issues that you are wrong about: 1)I have just tested your latency theory about the display screen still displaying "Loud" and well mine doesn't do that. I have the Razr V3c. 2)Yes you need to buy software. I will agree with you it sucks because you just shelled out good money for the phone, but you can find everything you need on the net (for free) by just googling it. 3)Yes manually turning on and off the Bluetooth is a good thing. My car has the Bluetooth option and if other people are in the car, I don't really want everyone to hear my converation so I turn Bluetooth off. It also is a big security issues and battery issue. 4)Ok, now your just complaining about nothing. You can setup 6 quick task buttons on your phone. They are already preset but you can change them all to do whatever you want. But to get to vibrate mode simply open up the phone and press the volume down (bottom left button by the screen) key until it says "vibrate" or press it again to get "silent". I know this is tricky since you do have to actually open up the phone and press one(Yes ONE) button, but with a little practice I'm sure you can get a hang of it. Now this is just included as "more" is guess: Yes if the phone is in Silent there is no sound made when turning the phone on/off. If you actually go to and get software for your phone you can go inside and do whatever you want. You can change anything and everything. The software is Motorola Phone Tools (MPT). And yes that is a huge contradiction!!!! 'I hate how there is a jingle when I turn the phone off. There should be an option to stop it making this jingle. BUT there also isn't enough feedback when I press the power button'......ARG! Try turning it off silent then you will here the pretty jingle. And you want to have to hold the button down. You don't want to accidently press the button and suddenly have the phone turn off. Please do everyone a favour and don't complain about useless things

Updated

First off- I believe you missed the entire point of this blog. It's "user centered" and usability focused. Not CAN it be done- it's HOW it's done.

1)I have just tested your latency theory about the display screen still displaying "Loud" and well mine doesn't do that. I have the Razr V3c.

Mine does. Perhaps it's a memory issue? My OS is latent. There's no way around it. I'm not sure why, but the UI is slow and unresponsive. Another test you can do:
1)dail a number
2)as it's "connecting" hit the "end call" button
3)Wait a second or to for the phone to realize that you don't really want to make that call....

2)Yes you need to buy software. I will agree with you it sucks because you just shelled out good money for the phone, but you can find everything you need on the net (for free) by just googling it.

Again- this is a "user centered" blog- meaning googling and downloading freeware and doing research is a ridiculous level of effort just to get my images off my phone easily. If the camera is a major selling point for the phone, why is something so simple as "getting pictures off of it" so obfuscated? That said- I *do* have the software, see: http://my.opera.com/usability/blog/show.dml/169470

3)Yes manually turning on and off the Bluetooth is a good thing. My car has the Bluetooth option and if other people are in the car, I don't really want everyone to hear my converation so I turn Bluetooth off. It also is a big security issues and battery issue.

All true (like I said...) but still, turning on BlueTooth every time you get in the car is annoying at best, dangerous and clumsy if you decide after you're driving that you want to turn it on (..and pair the devices, make sure there's a connection etc...) I've found the speaker phone is easiest to use in these situations (as the speakerphone on the V3 is very good), since mid-call, you press one button and instant speakerphone.

4)Ok, now your just complaining about nothing. You can setup 6 quick task buttons on your phone. They are already preset but you can change them all to do whatever you want.

I already have BT on my main menu. That doesn't mean that it's not buried in the default installation. My menu is customized. The point is, there's to much UI getting in the way of my activities. I still have to select "handsfree" or "Device History" or "setup" and then I still have to confirm that I want to power BT on. BTW- to turn it off again, I have to go to the "setup" menu which isn't very intuitive. It's already "setup," I just want to turn it off.

But to get to vibrate mode simply open up the phone and press the volume down (bottom left button by the screen) key until it says "vibrate" or press it again to get "silent". I know this is tricky since you do have to actually open up the phone and press one(Yes ONE) button, but with a little practice I'm sure you can get a hang of it.

In addition to that, you can do it with the clamshell closed to. But that's not the point. Your method is, quite frankly, a silly point. Lets look at the logic here: You want your phone to be silent. You (fef) may have the forsight to always remember to set your phone to silent *before* you enter the library or meeting or play etc.. but I don't. Using your method will make the phone chirp every time you press the button to get down to vibrate. Absolutely unacceptable to me. (similar noises when the clamshell is closed to btw). The only way to quietly get to vibrate or silent from loud is to use the Audio menu (one of my customized menu soft keys) which is always about three or four key presses.

My point is, this is the single most used "non call" feature for me (even if you don't use it as much, surely you realize its utility?) - and it's poorly implemented:
a)when the clamshell is closed
b)using your method of using the volume buttons
c)too many keypresses using the "audio menu" method


Regarding your strangely formatted words on my contridiction: music/noise is not the only form of feedback there is. Vibrate is a good one- an indication on the screen of a countdown is another (Hold this key to power off...3...2...1...<shutdown>). Further, there's no reason that feedback couldn't be immediate. Further still- when turning it on again- there's no way to tell whether it was silent or loud (for those of us with bad memories) so you don't know *what* you're going to get- a nice quite vibrate, or a goofy jingle.

Again- think about the user. I'm turning my phone off because I don't want to be bothered with it. Usually, in the extreme situation where I'm not even confident vibrate or silent are enough. I surely don't want to hear music as I turn it off. To see somethign similar and to see other peoples responses, see:
http://my.opera.com/usability/blog/show.dml/160454

Please do everyone a favour and don't complain about useless things

Again- you missed the point of the blog completely.

Donald Norman: ( http://my.opera.com/usability/blog/show.dml/232714 ): "if we can't get the simple things right, how can we have faith in the complex ones?"

I'm not saying we CAN'T do these things with the V3.... it's just that it's not very activity focused.

The whole point of this blog is to complain about "useless things," because people openly accept whatever technology is thrown in front of them without any consideration of how people use them. If you look at the subtitle, you'll see it say quite clearly "Studying the design of everyday things."

In conclusion- I'd recommend to you that you review the handful of quotes I've collected to get a better idea of what I'm trying to accomplish with this site.
http://my.opera.com/usability/blog/index.dml/tag/quotes

I will also say a)that this is from Sept, b)further simply a few observations in addition to the countless reviews out there that focus on technology and features and candy.

Chuck writes: I've had a V3C for about a month. This is the least usable phone I've ever had. If my company wasn't paying for it I would ditch it. Here's my list: Have to buy the software. Totally unacceptable. At least give us the ability to get the photos off. Can't add more than one number to a contact. So if someone has 3 numbers, you have 3 contact entries. This is dumb. Must have a speed dial entry for each contact. Huh? Allows entry of a 4 digit speed dial number but won't accept more than 3 digits. Who wrote this crap? The backlight turns off in 20 seconds or less and when it goes off, the screen goes black. You have to touch a button to see the screen. Plus the press will actually do something rather than just turn the light back on! OK, I just figured this one out...you have to turn the Display Timeout ON! I had it off which to me means never turn off the display, but some moron decided that means only show the display while the backlight is on. Sheesh... And people whining about other people whinning is silly. Now where did I put my cheese...

Chuck- what about my response? I think that falls under people (me) whining about people (fef) whining about people (me again) whining.

You brought up a few good ones there that I didn't even notice, but you also reminded me of another one of my gripes with this phone UI-

I'm not big on two digit speed dials (but I'm glad to find you are using it!). I like my 0-9 buttons since I call so few people frequently enough to remember more than 10.

So, what I don't like about it is that I'm only given the option to replace an entry when I just want to change the speed dial number. I wish it would swap:

When I edit a phone numbers speed dial to a value that is already assigned, it should ask "This speed dial is used by <name><icon>- With two options "Swap" and "Replace". A "swap" instead of replace would make it MUCH more useful to me. I might even start using the two/three button shortcuts if I could easily manage them (1X are all work numbers, 2X are family members...etc...)

As it is now, the speed dial numbers are randomly assigned based on the first available empty speed dial slot. This makes it an exercise in memorization with doesn't embrace the spirit of quickly dialing. If I could manage them on the phone without worrying about losing or replacing existing numbers, I would get much more use out of it.

Larry writes: Is anyone aware of a dealer that I can buy a Razr from, Maroon V3i, that I can be assured will be compatible with email set up and browser? (Cingular) I'm in the process of filing with the BBB and the FTC against a dealer that sold me a Blue Razr and is stalling on accepting a return. Motorola and Cingular, on a conference call, both advised that without a entry space for an IP address the phone would not be capable of email and browser. Thanks.

I'm not aware. No cingular stores in your area?

Anonymous writes: I have a very simple question that I need answered. How exactly do you turn the bluetooth off so I can use my regular RAZR phone? My friend has a bluetooth and connected it to my phone. I now realize after trying to dial a number it doesn't work because he's still connected with his bluetooth. Also, is there any way I can disconnect the bluetooth manually from my RAZR phone?

on your main menu-
Settings-->Connection-->Bluetooth-->Setup-->Power-->Off

Also, you might want to go into
Settings-->Connection-->Bluetooth-->Device History
...and select your friends phone and remove it from the list.

It should power off automatically though. I'm not sure. This might be of no help to you.

Gina P writes: Sporadically, my razr starts to press numbers. I have to pull the battery out for it to stop. It's not the sim card, as I have tested it on another phone. Is there a known problem?

Not that I've seen. Mine randomly "locks up" and I have to pull the battery in order to bring it back around

Anonymous writes: I :heart: my razr v3. I do not have any of the problems any of U are having!

Wendel writes: I love the new use i have for my Razr V3. It is now a fishing weight. Best use I got from it so far. Wendel

Denise writes: I have just one question about my Razr. Can someone please tell me how to turn off the obnoxious, loud startup and shutdown noise? This is so annoying. Why didn't Motorola make a convenient "turn off" in Settings?

You can't as far as I know. You have to just set it to vibrate or silent before you shut it down.

Very annoying.

Jubei writes: I have a problem with the digi cam on my Rarz VCi. It went blank and now it's not working. Every time I try to select the camera my screen becomes black with only the exit option displayed as in the soft buttons. How do you fix that? Mine is brand new hast even been amonth since i bought it and i have takena few pictures till this happened.

Anonymous writes: Both my phone and my bosses (different providers) show the wrong name on the caller ID from the address book when an incoming call arrives. Anyone else experiencing that? I don't like this phone. Too many steps and received # doesn't display on received calls when it is someone in your address book. ARGH!

Lots of problems with the phone. I haven't seen what you're talking about though.

dvbart writes: I have ICE (in case of emergency) entries in my phone with the same phone numbers as my contacts. Anyone know how to make the contact number come up on the ID vice the ICE number? So if Bob Jones is my best friends and ICE2, how do I get Bob Jones to show up on the ID instead of ICE2 when the numbers are the same? I've already made the ICE numbers really high speed dials, so I'm lost now.

Sorry... no clue. But it would be clearer if you presented it as such to others that might know:

If one number is stored under two different names (ie- two phone book entries), can you assign priority to which name is displayed on caller ID?

Anonymous writes: HOW DO YOU STOP A CONTACT FROM BEING DELETED FROM CONTACTS WHEN YOU REPLACE IT ON SPEED DIAL FOR A RAZOR V3

Anonymous writes: My razor speakerphone doesn't work when I close the flip. I tried with my dad's phone and his works. Does anyone know how to fix it, I have a black v3

Anonymous writes: I bought a razr v3 from ebay and when i took it to cingular to get it activated it would not accept the sim card. i was told that the phone is cingular compatible. anyone has any suggestion?

I'm not sure on all these issues. This is a usability forum, not a Motorola and or V3/RAZR forum. Meaning the focus is the interface and the UI. I'd recommend looking in a phone, motorola, or RAZR forum if you cand find one.

HOW DO YOU STOP A CONTACT FROM BEING DELETED FROM CONTACTS WHEN YOU REPLACE IT ON SPEED DIAL FOR A RAZOR V3

As far as I know, you can't- a *big* point of contention I have with the UI. Thanks for reminding me about that.

Nicolas writes: Hello anyone can help me about using a wap site in my V3 phone? anyone can give me information llike about the GrPS APN,DSN,etc..... thank u....

Nicolas- please see two comments up.
http://my.opera.com/usability/blog/show.dml/27659#comment2281786

Mike writes: Hi everyone, I'm just new to the RAZR V3 community. I have the base version (plain V3 in Cosmic Blue) & I find the phone perfect for my use. One thing I haven't been able to de-bug is the RINGER ID feature. Although I have this feature set to ON in Ring Styles and have specified different rings for a couple of my contacts, the phone still rings with my standard choice for all calls when I receive a call from these few contacts. Does anyone have a solution or can anyone guide me to a site with a potential solution - I would greatly appreciate it. Best regards, Mike

I'm not sure. This worked fine for me. I would google search for a support forum if you're having a specific problem.

Anonymous writes: Here is a question ..When I have my phone in my case I have it on vibrate and then....well while it is in the case I must be hitting the volumn key and then the smart key and the phone keeps changing to silent and I am missing calls.Is there any way to change those keys ot to deactivate them

Jessica writes: "The backlight turns off in 20 seconds or less and when it goes off, the screen goes black. You have to touch a button to see the screen. Plus the press will actually do something rather than just turn the light back on! OK, I just figured this one out...you have to turn the Display Timeout ON! I had it off which to me means never turn off the display, but some moron decided that means only show the display while the backlight is on. Sheesh..." Chuck (or anyone), where is this "Display Timeout" feature? ~Jessica

Jessica-

Look in Settings-->Initial Setup-->Display Timeout

You could also set the backlight there as well if that what you're looking for.

Pupboy writes: V3 x Jan2007. Highlights: display, Menus and accessability Lowlights: syn software really bad, Motorola help = no clue Comments: The phone is outstanding but letdown badly by the sofware. It is really let down by the sync software by BVP/Aventquest . Be very careful back up you database before use, the software scrambles the computer database. Software doesn't follow synchronisation rules. The software doesn't control first name last name option. Basically the software has so many serious bugs it should not have been released.

thanks for the follow up comments! It's been awhile since I've updated this post. Might need to revist it.

Anonymous writes: Yea I Kno Wat You Mean. Jus Yeaterday I Was Taking Back My Second Razor B/c My Keyboard Had A Defect That If I Press 3 It Would Think I Pressed One Or Press Two && Get 4 Or My Pound Key Would Jus Keep Entereing Like Over && Over. But Finally I Agreed With The Same Cincinnati Bell Employee I Had Last Time The Nokia 6126 Is WAY Better && I Would Instead Trade For That && GEt Rid Of The Oh SO Great "RAZOR". Everyone At My Cincinnati Bell Has The Nokia && LOVE Them. Err Worse Phone EVER. My First Had A Defect That Everytime I Went To The Message Screen It Would Freeze. Not To Mention My Cousin Who Is On The Same Plan As Me Is Either n Her 2nd OR 3rd Razor. [NEVER RECOMMEND A RAZOR UNLESS YOU WANT TO KEEP BUYING NEW ONES EVERY FEW MONTHS OR SO. ] Oh Yea Water Damage Excuse SUCKS. They Always Get That. One A Motorola Hits Water Its DONE FOR GOOD. I Had A Nokia Once That DROPPED IN THE TOILET && In A Few Puddles. Wana Kno Wat? THEY STILL WORKED. I Jus Had To Update && Get The "RAZOR" A Waste Of Money! >=[ IF THIS PHONE IS SO GREAT LIKE ALL YOU PEOPLE ARGUE WITH THIS PERSON ABOUT WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO GET A NEW ONE B/C OF DEFECTS IN THE PHONE && PRATICALLY EVERY PHONE STORE IS TRYIN TO GET ID OF THEM. YOU PEOPLE ARE WRONG THIS PHONE = HORRIBLE!

Anonymous writes: can u tell me how to block a person from sending text messages to my phone. Thanks

Stew writes: Only had my V3 for a few days and it seems fine so far (touch wood) but I would like to know how to snooze the alarm, and does it always turn the alarm off so I have to reset it every time? Cheers people.

Anonymous writes: I have a Razr V3. Can it display the date on the homescreen? I've tried, but have not been able to figure it out. can someone help? Thanks

Anonymous writes: I have a Razr V3. Sometimes the backlight i.e. the keypad light does not come on. One, therefore, has to press a button to make it active. Does this usually happen? Would appreciate a reply from anyone with a similar observation. Thanks.

Anonymous writes: Idiots! Half of the things you guys are complaining about are a result of your own ignorance! Change settings for the love of Allah!

...I'll let that comment stand because I like it so much.

mdavmi writes: In the PHILIPPINES incoming calls and text messages on your cellphone are free... no charge!!!... so why can't it be done in the USA???

Anonymous writes: My mother's V3 has got a screen that stays black wherever the phone wants!!!!!!!!!!!!I don't now how to fix it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Please somebody help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adam writes: Definitly Phone Fault take it back to your servive provider

Anonymous writes: how do i turn my razor phone on ? i pressed some button on an accident and it just shut off completely and it wont turn on :S

Anonymous writes: i also feel the UI on the motorolla razr is below standard. my previous phone was a really cheap audiovox (not even sure what the model no. was), but usability was a breeze. startup/shutoff noise drives me crazy. i have also found no options to help me disable annoying notifications when the battery is close to being drained (beep______beep______beep - it's 5am for crying out loud!), as well as annoying notifications for text messages, missed calls, new voicemail. although the speakerphone is loud, i have no way to adjust the volume level of my keys, so when i type in my code to access voicemail, the initial number i enter is incredibly loud, then subsequent ones get more quiet. i have never had this much trouble finding some basic basic features on the phone. all this aside, the sound quality is really good, and it is conveniently small. my 2 cents. btw, if anyone has any suggestions for helping me with the above outlined issues, please please feel free to share the info!

Stew writes: In reply to the guy above... "i also feel the UI on the motorolla razr is below standard. my previous phone was a really cheap audiovox (not even sure what the model no. was), but usability was a breeze." I find the UI very good to be honest. PC menu type of interface. "startup/shutoff noise drives me crazy. i have also found no options to help me disable annoying notifications when the battery is close to being drained (beep______beep______beep - it's 5am for crying out loud!), as well as annoying notifications for text messages, missed calls, new voicemail." Startup/shutoff noise is annoying. Agreed. Why don't you turn the phone off when you're asleep. Seems the logical thing to do. I agree about the annoying reminders for texts etc. Pointless.

Shutting off the phone should be considered a failure of the UI design. If the phone it is off it is less useful than a deck of cards. Yet there are many UI designs that make that a norm. It should be the absolute last resort.

Yum

Stew writes: But why would you want the phone on when you're asleep? I understand that if the phone is off it is "useless" i.e. can't be used, but why would you want it on when you're asleep? I turn mine off when I go to bed, then turn it on in the morning.

I occasionally use it for an alarm. Kinda needs to be on for that.