Is bigger, better?

UX/UI Design Guidelines for Ultra Large Touchscreens.

When you think of ultra-large, the first thing that comes to mind is something massive. Every day, we handle small touchscreens in our hands or on our wrists, and we're accustomed to working with them easily. So, when we enlarge the touchscreen, we also enlarge everything displayed on it, right? Let's explore some guidelines for optimization

Designing for ultra-large touchscreens isn't a simple task. Enlarging buttons, menus, images, backgrounds or tabs, just because the screen is larger, isn't the solution. Ultra-large touchscreens provide a significantly expanded interactive surface area, facilitating more extensive and detailed interactions. They also enable collaborative work, allowing multiple users to interact simultaneously, making them ideal for teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and group discussions. Moreover, they enhance visibility for larger audiences - classrooms, boardrooms, public areas - where information must be visible to a broader audience.

So, what are the guidelines for ultra-large touchscreens UX/UI design? First, let's establish some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Optimize Touch Targets: Larger screens mean users may be standing further away. Ensure touch targets are appropriately sized for easy interaction and adapt them to the screen size and the resolution will be used;

• Consistent Layouts: Maintain consistency in layout and design across different screen sizes to provide a seamless experience;

• Prioritize Content: Place important content within easy reach, considering the natural hand movement and the user's distance from the screen;

• Gesture Support: Leverage gestures for navigation and interactions. Pinch, swipe, and tap gestures can enhance the user experience;

• Readable Text: Ensure text is legible from a distance. Use larger fonts and clear typography for better visibility;

• Responsive Design: Design for various screen resolutions and orientations to accommodate different setups;

• User Feedback: Provide visual and haptic feedback for user interactions to confirm actions and enhance the overall experience;

• Test Interactions: Conduct usability testing with users interacting with the touchscreen to identify any challenges or areas for improvement;

• Minimize Clutter: Avoid overcrowding the interface. Keep it clean and organized to prevent confusion and enhance usability.

Are there standard buttons minimum sizes?

While there's no one-size-fits-all rule for button sizes in UX/UI design, general recommendations exist. These may vary depending on the platform (mobile, desktop, or touchscreen) and the context of use.

Touchscreens

A past study conducted by the MIT Touch Lab revealed that the average person's fingertips measure 1.6 - 2cm (0.6–0.8 in) wide, with the typical thumb having an impact area even larger at an average of 2.5cm (1 inch) wide. Hence, depending on your specific use case, button sizes should not be smaller than these dimensions and could be up to 50% larger to ensure easy interaction. It's crucial to consider larger touch targets for primary actions, accommodating fingertip accuracy based on your specific use case.

What about the edges?

It's crucial to pay attention to the edges of the touchscreen, despite offering support for the hand - typically using the bezel or outer frame of the displays to stabilize. However, it's advisable to avoid placing buttons at these edges.

Users may unintentionally touch the screen edges while reaching for buttons, leading to accidental interactions and potential frustration. This also presents physical limitations; depending on the touchscreen size, users might find it challenging to comfortably reach the extreme edges, resulting in a less-than-ideal user experience. Placing critical buttons in these areas may lead to unreliable interactions.

To enhance the user experience with Ultra Large Touchscreens, it's necessary to leave space, providing some area around the edges to reduce the likelihood of accidental touches and ensure overall ergonomic design. Consider placing critical buttons or interactive elements toward the centre of the screen, where users can comfortably reach for a better experience and faster processing.

In conclusion, designing for ultra-large touchscreens demands a thoughtful approach that factors in user behaviour, ergonomics, and accessibility. By adhering to these best practices, you can craft an engaging and user-friendly experience that maximizes the potential of expansive touch displays.

More on this subject:

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/very-large-touchscreen-ux-design/

https://www.lukew.com/ff/entry.asp?1085

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UMEGuide/DesigningForFingerUIs

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/input/guidelines-for-targeting

https://adrianroselli.com/2019/06/target-size-and-2-5-5.html