Introduction

Traditional pan and zoom techniques pose a challenge when navigating large information spaces on smartphones and other small-form-factor mobile devices. Our most recent project is ZoneZoom.

Divide view into nine segments
Map each segment to one of the number keys on a cel phone
Press number key: animate view to show selected segment
Quickly release key (tapping): view stays on selected segment
Releases key after holding down for more than a moment: view returns to the original view ("glance" at different areas)
Redivide current by pressing on the pound # key

We have optimized a specific implementation of the ZoneZoom technique for user as a Seattle area traffic conditions map navigator called SmartPhlow. A comprehensive explanation of the ZoneZoom technique is included in our AVI 2004 paper. SmartPhlow downloads a very small amount of data (250 bytes) from the WSDOT web site. This data is then used to change the color of road segments on a navigable map. We encourage you to download SmartPhlow and install it on your own Microsoft Smartphone!

All art stuff © 2008 Daniel C. Robbins | Links with * are outside of this web | Updated on 07/08/2008
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