Kindle: The First User Experience Analysis

Earlier this week Amazon released Kindle. Within minutes, the web was filled with reviews, mostly negative. Frankly, we don't care about those reviews, mainly because most of them are from people who have never used one. More importantly, we don't care about reviews. A review is simply one's person opinion, and all too often it isn't very objective. Rather, we are hear to offer an user experience analysis based on our User Experience Checklist. Our overall grade: B.

Principle 1: Can you quickly understand what the application does?
At first glance, you don't even have to pick up Kindle to know it is something you should be reading. You wouldn't get the same intuitive sense if you you were looking at a cell phone or PDA. The device shares characteristics of a book in weight (10 ounces) and size/shape (vertically positioned). You won't get that with a 5 or 10lb "laptop". The device's ergonomic design closely resembles the real-world action of turning the pages of a book -- just click the button on the left or right of the screen. It even one-ups a book as you their is an extra button so you can fully navigate with just one hand holding the device.

"The one-handed reading, the overall size of the reader, the crisp text and the variable font size all work together to make the experience while reading just fabulous."

Sherpa! Grade: Definite A

Principle 2: Can you easily interact with the machine?
The device's darling technology- electronic-paper display, is nearly 40 years old but has only recently been implemented for consumer use in the past few years. Kindle's display "resembles the appearance and readability of printed paper", which is to say the display is better than your current glare-attracting computer screen.

When it comes to ease of reading the device again improves upon a book with its six adjustable font sizes. You can adjust the size as your eyes get tired from reading or if you simply prefer not to squint at small text. Getting content onto the device is made easy with their wireless network, Whispernet. It is the same network as your cell phone (powered by Sprint) but doesn't include any monthly fees. If you have cell phone coverage, you will have access to Kindle's network of books, websites, and blogs. Finally, there are no cables, so you don't have to fumble with an internet connection or power cord to make it work. No syncing or late night powering up required.

"I'm telling you, after five minutes I've ceased to think I'm looking at a screen. It's not like reading a computer screen. It's more like reading a piece of paper. I think it's actually clearer, easier on the eye than the printed word."

Grade: Tentative B

Principle 3: Is it beautiful? Is it Fun?
Frankly, Kindle looks like a cheap piece of plastic. Rather than smooth and sleek, we have angular and plastic. It reminds us of a hand-held fax machine.

We don't know if it is fun yet -- we need to interact with it first.

Grade: Pending D

Principle 5: Does using the product create meaning?
Part of the appeal of many technologies is that you feel you are "touching the future." Kindle is no different. The Jettison future of having a single reading tablet for an entire library of information is that much closer. Instead of a single heavy textbook, you have access to a nearly unlimited amount of information (can you say environmentally friendly?). Their online information resource--Kindle Now--allows you to pose a question and get a response within minutes. Or, you can start searching Wikipedia.

Grade: Subjective B

Conclusion: How Kindle can be revolutionary

Kindle is the kind of user experience that starts revolution in how we interact with information, but just with an ugly device. There are, however, some key issues with the experience. Most of these concerns are regarding content. The device doesn't let you read eBooks (bad) or PDF without another program (oh that's really bad). You are limited to their specific list of blogs. The device goes the route of multimedia by allowing you to play MP3s from an SD card, but doesn't allow audio books or even let you select specific music.

Another concern is the pricing structure. The free ongoing network access is great. Getting books 60% off is very appealing, even if it is from a single source (amazon.com). iPhone received a lot of flack for this closed approach to information. it would great if you had an option to receive a copy of the book, even if at full price, so that you could continue the sentimental value of having a book in your library or to share with a friend.

Furthermore, when you have to pay 10 cents for an email you have to download from a unique email address because you forget to download it prior to leaving the house, things begin to lose their zest.

And it costs $399. I mean, seriously. There are significant competitors out there for Kindle. Besides, for that type of money we'd recommend waiting until the iPhone comes out with better eBook support, which is already being demanded.

At least then it wouldn't look like an hand-sized fax machine.