On the design and evaluation of web augmented mobile applications

This paper reports on an exploratory study of a mobile communication prototype mGuide that enables continuous and data rich messaging across the mobile and desktop platforM., augmented by complementary Web services. The study focuses on design aspects of the mobile interface and factors that influence the perceived value and usability of such integrated mobile applications. We show how the complexity of image and voice messaging within a location focused scenario can be successfully mediated by careful user interface design, without detracting from utility and experience. More importantly, our study confirms that the integration of personal communication and Web based information services increases the perceived value of mobile applications. Besides the optimized user interface on the device itself, it is the seamless integration with the user's environment that increases the utility of mobile devices and services. We thus propose design recommendations for Web augmented mobile applications and promote a design optimization approach that encompasses flexible integration with Web-based services.