A system and method for improved detection and usability of personal electronic devices for field engineers is disclosed. A personal electronic device stores a list of commands in memory. The personal electronic device presents a user interface in a relative motion input mode, wherein the user interface in the relative motion mode is divided into a plurality of user interface zones. The personal electronic device receives relative motion input, wherein the relative motion input is received through one or more relative motion sensors of the personal electronic device. The personal electronic device determines whether the received relative motion input matches input associated with a respective command in a list of reference commands. In accordance with a determination that the received relative motion input matches input is associated with a respective command in the list of reference commands, the personal electronic device executes the respective command.