To realize its full potential, a mobile business application must be tailored to the resources provided by the device it runs on. UIs that flexibly respond to factors such as the screen size and input devices available can help foster intuitive user experiences; apps that seem poorly matched to the platform may create frustration and hamper productivity. Usability on Ultrabook™ and 2-in-1 devices exemplifies the opportunity for delivering advantages through software design that responds to the capabilities of the target system.
Building on more than 15 years of experience delivering cross-platform mobile solutions, Mi-Corporation recognized the opportunity associated with support for the mode-switching technology of 2-in-1 devices. Intel engineers and the company’s chief technical officer Chris DiPierro collaborated to enable the Mi-Forms product with a robust experience that takes advantage of the target device’s capabilities, whether it is functioning as a laptop or as a tablet.
Challenge
Mi-Corporation wanted to provide mobile workers with the best possible user experience for data capture on Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 systems. To do so, it needed to enhance efficiency and usability with changes to UI elements and input methods specific to whether the target device is in laptop mode or tablet mode.
Solution
Intel provided engineering support and development resources to Mi-Corporation that helped the company tailor the operation of the Mi-Forms product according to the usage mode of the 2-in-1 target device.
- Software features were identified through a collaborative engineering engagement between Intel and Mi-Corporation, laying the groundwork for the optimization of the Mi-Forms solution for 2-in-1 devices.
- Technical guidance was given through resources from Intel, including articles, best practices, and other documentation available from Intel® Developer Zone.
- A Dell XPS target system was provided to Mi-Corporation by Intel as a software-development platform to validate the outcome of the enabling effort.
Benefits
Mi-Forms is now differentiated within its market segment by its ability to adapt dynamically to either laptop mode or tablet mode on a 2-in-1 device. By optimizing the use of UI elements such as the on-screen keyboard, menus, and toolbars, as well as input devices such as pen and touch, the software presents an intelligent environment to the user. In addition, by being featured on Intel websites and at Intel events, the Mi-Forms product has received valuable publicity.
Read the case study:
Mobile Workers: Using 2 in 1 state, touch, and other input to enable e-Form Productivity [PDF 2.12 MB]