Technology multinational IBM is reported to tie up with the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and the Research Centre for Advanced Research and Technology of the Tokyo University, with an aim to initiate a new step to make mobile phones more user-friendly for the elderly, the illiterate and the semi-literate.

The initiative is revealed to be a part of the company's Open Collaborative Research program that involves institutes of learning and the industry.

Jignesh Khakhar stated that, "By bringing IBM's deep knowledge in mobile web and NID's interface design and ethnological expertise, this initiative is aimed to develop inclusive technologies and help the underprivileged improve their lives".

Today, the mobile phone is the most revolutionary communication medium that has an influence on our lives as well as living.

However, except for basic voice communication, many people are reported to be unable to benefit from the other services that this small, hand-held tool offers.

J. Khakhar, a faculty member at NID who is spearheading the project, revealed that the initiative would pose a significant impact on the lives of the underprivileged.