Most cell phones in the past have used a traditional method of inputting data into the system. In the past there was no need for complicated data entry, since the most complicated task was to add an entry to the phone book. With the advances of technology now a user can theoretically use their cell phone to do the same tasks they perform from their desktop machines. But even though the technology allows for these new features to be added it still requires the users' input. Most of the tasks being performed require the user to input a substantial amount of data to process their requests. This data inputting process can be time consuming, tedious, and frustrating which causes the user to stay away from using these new technologies available to them. Manufacturers of cell phones have finally come up with a standard that will help ease the data inputting process for the user tremendously. This new technology is referred to as the T9 dictionary or the predictive text input method. This technology tries to predict based on key entries what a user wants to input and allows the user to scroll through other possibilities.

Our experiment seeks to determine the efficiency and satisfaction of inputting data in cellular phones through T9 versus normal keypad. Subjects are asked to input data into the cell phone using either T9 or normal keypad and are timed to measure efficiency. Then the subjects are asked to complete a subjective survey to measure their satisfaction with the process.

Variables

The independent variable of this experiment is the mobile phones used by normal users. For this experiment, the independent variable has two treatments - Nokia 7160 mobile phone with T9 technology and Nokia 7160 mobile phone with keypad.

The dependent variables are the time to correctly complete task, in seconds, and the subjective satisfaction survey. The subjective satisfaction ask subject questions about overall experience, short learning curve, will purchase phone, encouraged use, and experienced low frustration.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that mobile phone with T9 technology to be more efficient and satisfactory to the users for inputting data.

Pilot Study Results

We conducted pilot study of our experiment on eight subjects to figure out what changes/improvements we should make to our experiment. First, we gave the subjects training for five minutes where we just explained to them how to input the data and gave them time to practice. After training they were given the task for which they were timed. We gave them a maximum of five minutes to complete the task. The last thing they were asked to do is to fill out the survey evaluating their experience and satisfaction.

Based on feedback from our pilot subjects we made the following adjustments to our experiment:

• We decided that in order to conserve to time we needed multiple phones to test with.
• We needed a stop-watch to keep track of time
• We decided to conduct the experiments in a designated room with less distraction
• We needed to lengthen the training period because some of the subjects had problems understanding how the T9 technology works
• We replaced the verbal training with documented training to be more consistent

Subjects

Thirty undergraduate and recent college graduates participated in our study. Our subjects consisted of twenty-two males and eight females. Twenty-three of these subjects were between the age of 19 to 22 and the other 7 were between 26 to 30 years of age. These subjects were all mobile phone users with no T9 technology experience in the past.

Materials

The following materials were used to conduct the experiment:

Hardware:

• Nokia 7160 mobile phone

Software:

• T9 (tegic) technology text input
• Nokia operating system

Documentation:

• Instructions for the subjects
• The task to be performed
• Subject consent form

Procedures and Problems

The subjects required training in order to participate in our experiment. During the training the subjects were given a set of instructions to follow. After following the instructions they were asked if they felt comfortable with the type of data inputting method they were going to be using.

The subjects were presented the subject consent form at the beginning of the experiment. The subjects were assigned the type of inputting method to use randomly. As soon as the subjects were ready they were given a written version of what they had to type into the mobile phones. Once the data to be entered was provided to the subjects the proctor used a watch to keep track of seconds.

When the subject indicated that they were done the proctor recorded the seconds it took for the user to complete the task. Then the proctor checked for accuracy if there was an error the test was repeated once again. After the task, subjects were given a subjective survey which asked them to rate their overall experience, short learning curve, will purchase phone, encouraged use, and experienced low frustration.

Problems Encountered

We encountered following problems during our experiment:

• Many of our subjects did not complete the practice inputs in the training stage of the study. After one try they assumed that they were comfortable with the technology, therefore during the study they got frustrated when they did not understand how certain functions work.
  
  
• Subjects showed nervousness when realized they were going to be timed.