Scandinavian “usability and interaction design company” inUse have taken it upon themselves to examine whether the iPhone lives up to its hype [pdf link], aiming five users of differing skill-sets at Apple’s cellphone as well as the Nokia N95, Sony Ericsson W910i and HTC TyTN I and testing how they get on with a number of basic tasks (including dialing a call and sending an SMS; you can see the full list after the cut).  Although the tech-capable among us might sniff at the trial, it’s perhaps a good (though number-limited) way of looking at the very basics of hardware design; that’s certainly the key factor inUse conclude:

“Crucial everyday actions are intuitive and effective to carry out, at least better implemented than with competing mobile device conventions. The iPhone also seduces with its glossy interface and bright screen” inUse 

Whether or not you agree that Apple’s cellphone is the “new saviour” of the mobile world, or think that it’s an over-priced, over-hyped and under-featured exercise in brand loyalty, it’s hard not to credit the company with kick-starting a revolution of sorts in GUI.  As handsets have gained functionality, the way we’re expected to use those features hasn’t necessarily kept up; I might not personally think the iPhone does everything I would want from my own cellphone, but I’d like whatever I use to be as straightforward.

Full task list:

• Make a call by dialing a number manually and then by calling a person from the address book
• Change volume during a call
• Add a new contact to the address book
• Create a new calendar event
• Set the alarm
• Lock and unlock the device
• Compose and send a text message
• Put the phone in silent mode
• Take a picture and send it to a person in the address book