Publikationen

For pedestrian navigation support, we report on how the feeling of being in control about receiving updates impacts navigation efficiency and user experience. In an exploratory field study, 24 participants navigated to previously unknown targets using a wristband which conveyed tactile information about targets bearing. Information was either pulled by the user at times of her choosing via a simple arm gesture, or was pushed by the armband at a regular, preset interval. While the push mode resulted in higher efficiency, more users preferred actively pulling information, possibly as this afforded feeling more in control. Interestingly, mode preference was independent of individual navigation ability. Results suggest that properties of the specific navigation context should be used to determine whether an interface offers push or pull modes for navigation support.

We investigated the spatial knowledge that users of pedestrian navigation support acquire about the navigated area. In particular, we compare two conditions: A spatially richer condition, which provides continual access to information about route directions and surroundings via a local map at closest zoom level. And a spatially sparser condition, in which route directions are given via a tactile display and only as decision points come up. In a field study, 28 participants navigated on foot through a previously unfamiliar urban area. Data on resulting spatial knowledge, gaze distribution on environmental features, performance, individual spatial abilities, and user experience were collected and analysed. We were specifically interested in the route and survey knowledge that participants had acquired. The results point to advantages for acquiring route knowledge through using the sparser, tactile display condition and for acquiring survey knowledge through using the richer map condition. We conclude with discussing ramifications for the design and use of different types of pedestrian navigation support systems for different task scenarios.