Scenarios+-+Final+Draft*

Scenario: Today’s Average Mobile Phone

1. Compatibility Issues between Mobile Phones and Personal Computers:

Advancements in cellular technology have allowed for manufacturers to implement high end accessories within the framework of the average mobile phone. Specifically, low resolution cameras and video recorders have become a standard utility included with most cellular devices. However, despite the luxury of on-the-go visual capturing methods, the productivity gained from such tools can be hindered by minor design flaws. After capturing and storing files using a mobile device, the files must be sent to an external device in order to serve a practical purpose. Although many high end devices rely on Bluetooth applications to transfer files to personal computers, this technique requires one’s personal computer to also have Bluetooth capabilities. Due to this requirement, the majority of users in developing communities would realistically rely upon physical wiring to sync mobile phones to computers. While affordable, this method is not always convenient because the wiring and file transfer software are usually specific to the mobile phone they are purchased with. These device restrictions prevent users from transferring files without manufacturer provided wiring, or to personal computers that don’t have the correct syncing software. A more beneficial strategy would be for manufacturers to agree upon universal hardware outputs that could allow for a more systematic method of file syncing.

__Must Have:__ Manufacturer-provided wiring to sync unique mobile device with personal computer __Should Have:__ Plug-and-Play feature that allows one to sync mobile device to computer without the need for File Transfer Software __Could Have:__ Bluetooth compatibility __Won’t Have__: 2.0 USB Flash Drive to enable file transferring with any USB compatible wiring, as opposed to manufacturer provided wiring.

2. Recharging of Mobile Phones:

Users rely upon mobile phones for multiple purposes, aside from voice communication, due to the variety of built-in applications that have become standard with most devices. In regard to developing countries, mobile phones users rely upon charging stations to recharge their devices because of their lack of personal electricity sources. This method of charging mobile devices requires users to travel varying distances and even pay varying fees in order to keep their devices running. Due to the financial constraints and mobility limitations of developing communities, the existing method for recharging mobile devices is both ineffective and inefficient.

__Must Have:__ A standard electrical input for charging __Should Have:__ A built-in solar panel for cost efficient charging __Could Have:__ A solar keypad __Won’t Have:__ Customizable solar panels that suit users’ preferences and personalities

3. Physical Construction and Function Facilitation of Mobile Phones:

Today’s most popular mobile phones are designed based upon intertwining of aesthetic appeal and built-in applications. The iPhone and the Blackberry are two of the most popular and successful smart phones in today‘s market. Both devices boast minimalist external designs that enable users to efficiently access advanced applications. However, both devices are extremely expensive, and thus not affordable in developing countries. For example, the iPhone’s external design is made up of costly touch screen that compliments its access to standard and purchasable applications. These devices are not just equipped for voice communication, but also provide the luxury of internet accessibility. Production and service costs isolate such devices to the reach of only a selective economic group that does not include those in developing communities. While such devices would prove extremely beneficial to those impacted by natural disasters or economic burdens, production and service costs make them unaffordable to those in developing communities. Additionally, the printed manuals provided to familiarize users with these devices compel users to read extensively and so illiteracy becomes a deterrent.

__Must Have:__ Minimalist user interface that allows for efficient and uncluttered access to device applications __Should Have:__ Printed manuals that outline the utilization of each built-in application __Could Have:__ Audio instructions that outline the utilization of each built-in application __Won’t Have:__ Cost efficient hardware & software implementations to reduce overall price

4. Storage and Recovery Issues for Mobile Phones

Whether traveling shorter distances on a frequent basis, or longer distances on a rare occasion, mobile phone users in developing communities must be granted the freedom of unhindered mobility. Additionally, environmental and transportation constraints may increase the chance of misplacing items, thus compelling users to travel efficiently. The average cell phone can be easily misplaced or forgotten under such conditions and this can be attributed to inefficient or unavailable storage and retrieval methods. One potential scenario could involve a trader who relies upon their cell phone to compare market prices. When placed under environmental or transportation constraints, a lost mobile phone could result in a loss of business.

__Must Have:__ Physical case to prevent damage and enable attachment to articles of clothing __Should Have:__ Engraved ID codes to ensure recovered phones go to rightful owners __Could Have:__ Frequency transmitter to detect direction of misplaced mobile phone __Won’t Have:__ GPS locator to visually pinpoint geographical location of mobile phone

5. Locating the Mobile Phones when they run out of battery.

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Today's average cell phone strictly relies upon a single power source, this being a manufacturer provided main battery. This battery must endure the abuse of user demands and frequent usage. It is fair to say that in a common scenario, a user may find that they require their device but their battery is not charged. Some users even consider their mobile phones to be lost when a call can not be made from another phone to audibly trace it, due to the depleted battery of the misplaced phone. A potential solution to this issue is to provide phones with a secondary none-removable internal battery. This battery could be recharged at the same time as the main battery and only be used when the main battery is completely depleted. Another potential design attribute could be the implementation of frequency signals that could be sent from the secondary battery to relocate misplaced phones. Because most users carry their cell phones close to themselves, this modification could be extremely advantageous during search and rescue operations in areas impacted by natural disasters or war. An RF transmitter is a very low cost feature that service providers, such as libraries shopping centers, place within their products to prevent theft. The combination of a secondary battery with a power operated RF transmitter could effectively solve energy and relocation issues simultaneously. =====

__Should Have:__ An RF signal receiver for locating the phone.
__Could Have__: Outgoing signal with user's identification. __Wont Have:__ Swappable secondary batteries.