Mobiles aren't designed for the right people

Most mobile phones are designed for western adult men aged 20 to 64, which means over two-thirds of the world's population aren't being catered for. That's the opinion of researchers at Gartner, who say mobile manufacturers should pay more attention to the remaining 68% of the world. They say mobile products need to evolve and address gender diversity and demographics. [Press release]

There are three types of mobile customer

American research firm InsightExpress says that mobile phone subscribers can be grouped into three distinct profiles according to their behaviour. 15% of users are Mobile Pioneers, who are first to adopt new features. Most of them are under 35, male and single. Mobile Wannabes make up 25% of all users. They’re not as confident about new features but would like to use them more, they’re mainly over 35 and they generally don’t have smartphones. Finally, 60% of all users are Mobile Traditionalists, who stick to talk and text. Two thirds of this group are over 35 years old.