Intuitive navigation is the name of the game

In my opinion the biggest hurdle to application adoption is the walled gardens of the MNOs. We all know how to use many web based applications but are not allowed access to them. Give the users and the major portals unrestricted access and you will see vastly easier to use and more valuable applications. A case in point is Google Map where Google has done a nice job of letting you start out on your PC then when you sign in on your phone you just continue the session. AT least thats the way it worked until my MNO effectively blocked Google map and introduced their own map application - which I refuse to learn or use

this is a very weak editorial... nothing new at all

There are layers of issues here. Operators are very slow to embrace open standards, and to allow access to the unwalled wilds. Some of that is for "liability reasons" but most is for revenue "optimization" IMHO.

Phone GUI development is, or has been until quite recently, the least thought out of the disciplines in mobile product development too.

And of course, we have users (US) who are just now figuring out that there is content we would like. Add the development cycles of multiple firmware revisions by the OEM's for each operator, throw in a dash of WAY too many Product Managers, and voila...it's a dog's breakfast.

Enjoy :-)

I agree however this is an over simplified analysis of the issue. Intuitive UI /navigation has always been important for any device with a screen but more important is overall 'customer experience' which relates to more than just the UI.

One of the key requirements is for MDM, Mobile Device Management. This is one of the key enabling technologies capable of addressing mobile data complexity to deliver a good 'customer experience' by e.g. correctly configuring services, providing over-the-air updates to device firmware, application management including UI management and remote diagnostics.

Well, this is certainly refreshing to read. It seems that all the discussion taking place in the Mobile space has been centered around new devices and "cool" new services. Finally, some intelligent beings are bringing up and discussing what (I personally feel) could be the single most important factor in mass adoption and increased mobile phone usage - An Improved Mobile User Experience!!

What a concept! Its always been amazing to me that user experience has been such a low priority, and, hasn't evolved much at all.

In my opinion, mobile operators have greatly overlooked User Experience or simply had put an intentionally low priority on this key interactive discipline.

When innovative mobile operators make the committment to deliver an optimized user experience through a more intuitive interface, then and only then, will we see greater adoption and increased interaction between users, devices and mobile content applications.

At the end of the day, more efficient, easy-to-use, mobile UIs will drive the increased ARPU that all mobile operators are restlessly chasing.

Improved access will breed increased consumer interest in the carrier's advanced and premium services ... thus, it will also drive overall utility value which will enhance and deepen the relationship between the mobile user, his/her mobile device and the role these premium services will play in their day-to-day lives.