Understanding tablet usage: Research insights, trends & design implications

The popularity of tablet computers has grown significantly recently. Tablet ownership is increasing rapidly, with tablets quickly becoming the most popular piece of technology. In the U.S. for example, about 25% of the population owns a tablet, up from 10% last year (based on Pew Internet data). Market research conducted in Australia suggests an even higher coverage. While tablets initially were most popular in personal environments, they are now starting to be the device of choice for educational as well as professional settings.

With the increasing number of highly-engaged tablet users rises an immediate need for the development of applications targeted for such devices. The precursor to designing successful tablet applications is to gain a thorough understanding of how people use those devices today. This talk will detail my original research in this domain as well as review other user and market research to highlight when, where, why, and how people interact with content on tablets. Insights are drawn from various research using surveys, diary studies, interviews, and observations. The talk will also discuss trends that are starting to emerge, challenges, as well as implications for designing for tablet devices.

Presentation audio