Above all, predictability is more important than efficiency. Information Access and Communication Consumer devices used for information access and communication, such as an Internet-enabledscreen phone or PDA, are quite different from those of the entertainment domain. In particular, users of these devices will concentrate on getting a specific task accomplished quickly, such as creating a calendar appointment or finding a phone number. The user is interested in performing a specific task rather than using the device for entertainment. For instance, the user of an Internet screen phone must be able to find the phone number of a restaurant, call, and make reservations.
Users are likely to concentrate on the task while using such devices.
Interruptions are still possible, but not as likely as in the entertainment domain. Also, interruptions are more likely to be task relevant, such as receiving a phone call while trying to look up an address book entry. Tasks are typically structured and directed. As opposed to interaction with entertainment-oriented devices, users will be motivated to complete a specific task. For instance, the user may need to send an email to his brother to ask about a party.