A Novel User Interface Approach For Managing Large Character Set on Small Mobile Screen

The constrained nature of Mobile devices imposes great challenges on effective user interfaces for game playability. This paper addresses the issue controlling large set of characters on small screens with constrained mobile keys. To this effect we implemented the a mobile version of the Mauritian Domino ( MomoDomino) game consisting of 27 dominoes to test our novel interface design for the control of large character on small screens using the same mobile keys. We investigated on various display layout and their corresponding algorithm and complexity before choosing an optimal layout. In addition, we investigated on an intuitive and seamless game play interface, the novelty being the ability to select and play dominoes using the same key-inputs. Game design methodologies and game mechanics were included for enhanced user-immersion in the game. The results of our design proved to be very intuitive and hence conclusive in terms of game playability. In addition, an optimized display strategy of game components was achieved, hence maximizing space usage on small screens. Our game was tested with excellent feedback by university students. The results obtained can therefore provide a useful guidance for future interface design on small display devices.