The influence of contextual factors on perceived usability of mobile human-computer interactions

The rapid development of mobile devices has introduced a broad range of new use contexts, which were not faced in the stationary PC environment. Thus, extant usability models need to be modified in order to capture this change. This paper proposes a conceptual mobile usability model which explores the role of mobile device in determining the importance of the various determinants of usability. In this paper: (1) the relevant literature is reviewed, (2) a theoretical framework is built and hypotheses formulated, (3) the results of a two step field-evaluation designed to test these hypotheses are presented and (4) it concludes with a number of recommendations for usability evaluation of mobile devices and present avenues for further research. Findings show that two groups of contextual factors related to device limitations and time/pressure convenience influence overall belief about usability and attitude toward the mobile phone. These contextual factors can serve as the basis for a sophisticated understanding of mobile usability dimensions