Developed by Amid Moradganjeh as Masters thesis project at Umea Institute of Design,Project Rimino redefines mobile experience through human factors research and design thinking.Informed by human experience,the project is guided by both observational and experimental design research methods.
The Rimino concept is an E-paper mobile device with a user interface inspired by print posters.Historically,as technology has progressed,devices have become more conspicuous.Rimino challenges this trend and presents the alternative:technology that is more integrated and more sensitive to the human experience.
Natural Input and NavigationThe limited size of mobile devices and the circumstances in which they are used have defined the constrictive nature of user experience(particularly for input,capture and navigation).By using the whole device and by exploring new physical properties,users will be free to interact with their mobile devices in a more natural and intuitive way.
Human-like CommunicationInspired by face to face communication,Rimino introduces new tools and behaviors to approach and communicate in a more human-human way.Rimino offers new methods beyond call and notification to approach other people,provides a bigger range of resolution for communication and expands the user experience beyond before and after the communication session.
Lively DeviceRimino implements a new set of behavior that makes the users feel it is truly aware of them.Another feature that makes Rimino alive is the Lively pad at the back of the device.Lively pad enables certain interactions using temperature,haptic feedback,light,airflow,olfactory feedback and moisture.
Goal-based UIThere is no need for apps on Rimino and tasks can be accomplished by following a path that is closer to the human's mental model.By capturing elements(time,location,voice,image,temperature,objects,people or…)first,user is able to choose and initiate a task.
One experience–Multiple DevicesRimino is an experience which is independent of the device itself.The tasks(and not the programs)user is involved with constantly move between Rimino and other devices.Also the hardware and devices user has access to become part of a bigger connected system.Rimino mobile device is able to detect devices nearby and behave accordingly.
Right Resolution for Right InteractionThe desirable interaction resolution on a mobile device very much depends on the context and the task.Rimino offers both rich and basic versions of the same interface when needed.The interface is switched to the basic mode by bending the device.Basic interface represents the essentials and needs less engagement to interact with.The bent device can be used in stationary state,creating new application.