Or how to call/sms your favorites with 2 click-and-drags on an iPhone.
The last update of the iPhone software gave the double click on the home button the same functionality of bringing up the favorites, but there is maybe a way to avoid these two clicks.
a. First click and drag : unlock the phone.
b. Rotate it anti-clockwise to display the favorites. It works to call the Coverflow interface when playing music, so it might as well work to call an action from the home screen. I guess. Anyhow, this is where the double click disappears.
c. Select one of the favorites : that’s the second click (or tap, how do you call them…). As a result, the other contacts icons and names fade out a little, and two bars appear at the top and bottom on the screen to invite you to the next step.
d. Drag and release the icon of your contact on top to call (the result is a fade to the classic call screen of the iPhone), and on the bottom to send a text message (also fades to the classic sms app screen). Once the icon enters one of the area it changes color to tell the user ot has understood his call for this action and performs it on release (so it’s always possible to change your mind even if you entered an active zone).
Recursive actions need to be simple so they don’t get boring or tiring to perform, and this is what it’s all about.
One limitation though is that it would work well if you have up to 10 favorites. Passed this number, I don’t know if the interface sensibility can deal with smaller icons/names, and as I don’t live in the US, I can’t check for myself on the device. Maybe somebody can tell ?
On the other hand, 10 is way enough in terms of favorites as far as I’m concerned.