[Paper Review] Spreadsheets on the Move: An Evaluation of Mobile Spreadsheets

Derek Flood, Rachel Harrison+1 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Dec 18, 2011

Spreadsheets and End-User Computing12 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper evaluates mobile spreadsheet applications for iOS, identifying critical usability issues that hinder productivity on mobile devices. Through a pilot survey of experienced users and analysis of available apps, it reveals that current mobile spreadsheets lack essential features like formula editing, cell navigation, and data visualization, significantly limiting their effectiveness for on-the-go business tasks.

ABSTRACT

The power of mobile devices has increased dramatically in the last few years. These devices are becoming more sophisticated allowing users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks while on the move. The increasingly mobile nature of business has meant that more users will need access to spreadsheets while away from their desktop and laptop computers. Existing mobile applications suffer from a number of usability issues that make using spreadsheets in this way more difficult. This work represents the first evaluation of mobile spreadsheet applications. Through a pilot survey the needs and experiences of experienced spreadsheet users was examined. The range of spreadsheet apps available for the iOS platform was also evaluated in light of these users' needs.

Motivation & Objective

• To understand the needs and challenges of experienced spreadsheet users when working on mobile devices.
• To assess the usability of existing mobile spreadsheet applications on the iOS platform.
• To identify gaps between user expectations and current mobile app capabilities in spreadsheet functionality.
• To evaluate how well mobile apps support core spreadsheet tasks such as formula entry, data manipulation, and navigation.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving mobile spreadsheet tools for business users on the move.

Proposed method

• Conducted a pilot survey with experienced spreadsheet users to gather insights into their mobile workflow needs.
• Evaluated a range of mobile spreadsheet applications available on the iOS platform based on user requirements.
• Analyzed app features against key usability criteria such as formula input, cell navigation, and data visualization.
• Used qualitative and quantitative feedback from users to assess the practicality and limitations of current mobile solutions.
• Categorized and compared features across apps to identify common shortcomings and design deficiencies.
• Focused on real-world use cases to evaluate how effectively mobile apps support typical spreadsheet tasks outside desktop environments.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What are the primary challenges experienced spreadsheet users face when using mobile applications?
• RQ2 How well do existing iOS mobile spreadsheet apps support core spreadsheet functionalities such as formula editing and data navigation?
• RQ3 To what extent do mobile spreadsheet apps meet the needs of users working in mobile business environments?
• RQ4 What key usability issues prevent effective use of spreadsheets on mobile devices?
• RQ5 How do user expectations for mobile spreadsheet functionality compare with the capabilities of current mobile applications?

Key findings

• Mobile spreadsheet applications on iOS suffer from significant usability issues, particularly in formula entry and editing.
• Users reported difficulty navigating large spreadsheets due to poor scroll and selection mechanisms.
• Many apps lack support for advanced functions and data visualization tools available on desktop versions.
• The absence of a reliable on-screen keyboard with full formula input support was a major barrier to productivity.
• Users expressed frustration with limited cell referencing and error-checking capabilities on mobile platforms.
• No existing mobile app fully replicated the functionality and usability of desktop spreadsheet software like Excel.