Comparing the efficiency of performing complex tasks with a tablet and a smartphone

Abstract

The number of users who today use a smartphone or a tablet as a tool on a daily basis is increasing. Professionals, in certain environments, are moving towards mobile devices instead of the traditional laptop or desktop computer. From manufacturing to e-health and e-commerce, more and more apps can be used to improve companies’ efficiency and efficacy. Thus, there are apps developed for tablet and smartphone platforms as well as for the traditional desktop version. But how can we define user efficiency with each platform? In this work we present a comparative usability study of one CRM app that is designed for all that three platforms (laptop, smartphone, and tablet). We conducted a study with eight participants in which the efficiency of one mobile app designed for iPad and iPhone was measured. Results of the study demonstrate that users are more efficient with a tablet than with a smartphone for undertaking complex tasks.