Phone calendars could be fast

David Filskov - December 2012

Calendar efficiency test


The winner:

How hard can it be, huh? - surprisingly complex on some phones actually :)


Here are the results from my test sequences (the fewer actions the better)

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

best one in the top

7 actions: PalmOS (Centro/Treo)

10 actions: Palm webOS (Pre)

11 actions: Windows Phone 8

11 actions: Blackberry 8800

11 actions: Android v4.2

13 actions: iOS 6.01 (iPhone)

13 actions: Android v2.3

13 actions: iOS 5 (iPhone)

BEST-CASE SCENARIO (same test)

best ones in the top

7 actions: PalmOS (Centro/Treo)

8 actions: Windows Phone 8

9 actions: Android v4.2

9 actions: iOS 6.01 (iPhone)

I tested this sequence of calendar actions:

  • Unlock phone (security locks disregarded/disabled)

  • Create an appointment called OK (uppercase) today at 14:00 (any duration)

  • Lock the phone again.

I was using the basic out-of-the-box setup - the default unlock screen, default Home-screen, default calendar app etc.

Here's a typical excessive sequence of actions on a touch device:

  1. Press Power On button.

  2. Swipe to unlock.

  3. Press Home button.

  4. Press Home again to reach main-home - or swipe/scroll to your calendar icon.

  5. Tap Calender icon.

  6. Tap Today if it doesn't show today.

  7. Tap New appointment or tap 14:00 twice.

  8. Tap on appointment Title to show touch keyboard.

  9. Tap O

  10. Tap Shift

  11. Tap K

  12. Scroll to event time if it's not in view.

  13. Tap time (if number 7 was New appointment).

  14. Scroll to 14 (counts as 1 1/2 or 2 actions I'd say).

  15. Tap OK to confirm time.

  16. Tap Done/Save or Back.

  17. Power off.