h i
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Designing for Visitors in a Large Urban City New York City
Barbara Belsito I694 Thesis Project Report Human-Computer Interaction Design Program School of Informatics & Computing Indiana University at Bloomington Advisors of Record •
Eli Blevis, Associate Professor of Informatics, Director of the HCI/d Program, Instructor of Record
•
Yue Pan, Associate Instructor
•
David Roedl, Associate Instructor
Core HCI/d Faculty Advisors •
Jeff Bardzell, Associate Professor of Informatics
•
Shaowen Bardzell, Associate Professor of Informatics
•
Marty Siegel, Professor of Informatics
•
Erik Stolterman, Professor of Informatics
1
Table of Contents
1
Designer Overview
3
Predispositions
10 Primary Research
11
Interviews
13
General Observations
16
Contextual Interview
18 Secondary Research
21
Literature Summaries
30 Collection of Exemplars 52 Insights from Research 58 Concepts 73 Strategies 75 References
2
Designer Overview
Opportunity Space
For Whom I am Designing
People have traveled for centuries. Tools to assist traveling
I am designing for visitors in New York City. By visitor, I mean a
and exploration have evolved over time. With the introduction
non-resident who is in New York City.
and popularity of smart devices and applications, many people have taken a liking to various applications that assist with navigation. The introduction of various “tourist” applications
Why New York City?
has drastically changed the experience of traveling - in both good and bad ways. While these applications might help users
I wanted to focus on designing for visitors in a large urban city.
feel more secure and independent, they also have the potential
I chose to focus on New York City because it is arguably one of
to take away from the experience of traveling if they are not
the most iconic large urban cities in the United States. There
designed carefully. One main issue outlined in this book is that
exists a large and diverse target audience in NYC with visitors
users tend to constantly look at their smart devices rather than
traveling from all over the world each year.
the world around them. We know that it is possible for people to navigate and explore without smart devices because people did it before smart devices were invented. Therefore, I seek to show the need for designers to design for more interactive “tools” that interact with the environment and assist visitors during navigation and exploration while traveling in an urban city. If these “tools” are designed carefully, they have the potential to assist users without taking away from user awareness of the world around them. I also look at ways to design using the constraints of the city itself. While smart devices are on the rise, this book discusses the issue that not every visitor has access to such devices and therefore a need exists to provide information to users via a different platform.
1
Contents Analysis Predispositions
Research
Synthesis Insights
Concepts & Concept Systems
Prototypes
Strategies
Observations
Exploratory
Social Value
Literature
Appearance
Technology
Collections
Usability
Enterprise
Predispositions are the things
Research comes in three
Insights are the design issues
Concepts and systems of con-
Prototypes come in three
Strategies come in three
we believe to be true at the
forms, namely (i) observa-
that arise out of research.
cepts are the things, services,
forms, namely (i) explor-
forms, namely (i) social
outset of a design process or
tions—or primary research,
communications, or strategies
atory—or behavioral or
value—or social desirability
explanation.
(ii) literature review—or
that we envision in response
low fidelity prototypes, (ii)
planning, (ii) technology—or
secondary research, and (iii)
to insights.
appearance—or look and feel
technological feasibility plan-
collections—or knowledge
prototypes, and (iii) usabil-
ning, and (iii) enterprise—or
about cultural forms.
ity—or proof of concept or
economic viability planning.
high fidelity prototypes.
2
Predispositions
3
Predisposition One Overwhelming NYC has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming for visitors.
images: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 10.2012
4
Predisposition Two Visitors are oblivious to things around them Visitors often miss something amazing near them because they are unaware that it is there. For example, if a visitor were walking down the Brooklyn street pictured on the right, they would have no way of knowing that the “love me� graffiti is the mark of a well-known street artist Kurtis Kulig. They would be completely oblivious to it and would never learn the story behind it.
image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 10.11.2012
5
Predisposition Three Navigating Public Transportation is daunting for visitors The subway system in New York City is so large that it may seem daunting to visitors - especially visitors who are not used to using public transportation in their day-to-day lives.
image: http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm on 01.14.2013
6
Predisposition Four Not every visitor has a smartphone While there are multiple applications designed to navigate public transportation or to discover landmarks in NYC, not every visitor has a smartphone. It is common for international visitors to travel to NYC and their phone service is not accessible in the United States. Also, while traveling on the subway, many cell phones lose signal underground.
image: Barbara Belsito in Bloomington, IN on 02.17.2013
7
Predisposition Five
Local New Yorker:
This guy knows where to go.
Locals know the best spots Locals know the best spots for eating and drinking because they live in the city. Locals have generally tried more restaurants and bars and are therefore more familiar with the best ones, cheapest ones, etc.
image: Zach Roland in New York, NY with permission on 01.19.2013
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Predisposition Six
Local New Yorker:
Showing his visiting mother around NYC.
Exploring the city with a local is more enjoyable Since locals are more familiar with the city, it is more enjoyable to explore a city with them. When visitors explore a city with a local, they don’t have to worry much about navigating their way around the city because they can simply follow the person who knows their way around.
image: Ryan Bernard Tymensky in New York, NY with permission on 01.30.2013
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Primary Research
10
Each traveled in NYC without a smartphone
Participant 03
Participant 01
Participant 04
backgrounds.
Gender: Male Year: 2012, 28 years old Duration: 3 days First visit?: 1st in 10 years Accommodations: friend’s relatives in Queens Cell phone: yes Smart phone: no, but friend did Navigation tools: paper map; friend’s smartphone
Interview Questions
Participant 02
Participant 05
Primary Research One Interviews Research Method I chose to conduct interviews with people who have traveled in New York City without smart phones. Research Goals I used this technique in order to try to understand the experience a broad range of people have traveling without the aid of a smart phone. Target Audience I interviewed 5 different people. Each person had a unique travel experiences, different travel goals, and different
These were semi-structured interviews that followed a basic outline of pre-prepared questions. These questions were not necessarily asked in order and some of them were not asked at all if they were irrelevant. I also gave the participants the opportunity to add any additional comments or insights related to the topic.
Gender: Male Year: 2002 Duration: 4 days First visit?: no, 2nd Accommodations: company arranged hotel on Union Square Cell phone: yes Smart phone: no Navigation tools: memorized map on computer
Gender: Male Year: 2011, 21 years old Duration: a few days First visit?: no, 2nd Accommodations: Holiday Inn, Manhattan Cell phone: yes Smart phone: no Navigation tools: paper maps Gender: female Year: 2010 Duration: 10 days First visit?: yes Accommodations: Friend’s apartment in NJ Cell phone: yes Smart phone: no Navigation tools: paper map
Gender: female Year: 2006, 20 years old Duration: 7 days First visit?: yes Accommodations: Slavic church on 66th St. Cell phone: yes Smart phone: no Navigation tools: paper map from information booth 11
Primary Research One Quotes from Participants
“We looked on the internet before the trip and then got advice from the locals we were staying with once we were there.” - Participant 01
“For NYC, you basically already know everything you need to see because it’s everywhere - in every movie.” - Participant 05
“It’s comfortable to travel with my friend who is familiar with the city. If you don’t have a smartphone you have to think. With her, you just relax. It’s her responsibility, it’s not mine anymore.” - Participant 04
“The problem is, you don’t talk anymore. If you want to find a store I use my phone and find 10 places and I don’t ask anyone. I can handle it myself. At one point, it’s amazing, but we don’t talk with people anymore.”
“NYC is pretty easy to handle as a tourist without a smartphone. The streets are easy. If you know the main spots - which - Participant 04 you probably do - then a smartphone is not necessary in NYC.” “I used the subway with someone who - Participant 05 wasn’t from the city. We were going to see Chinatown and we got there fine, “You have different subways that go to but within Chinatown we didn’t know different subway stations and it’s really what to see or where to go. We made hard because you’re waiting and the our way back, but it wasn’t the most same line has many trains that go to direct route - which was fine.” different places.” - Participant 02 - Participant 04 “I would choose to have a smartphone “I asked a friend who used to live in because information in it is more NYC where to eat. He recommended a dynamic and you can get additional famous pizza restaurant.” information.” - Participant 03
- Participant 01
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Primary Research Two General Observations Research Method I observed people in and around Times Square in New York City in order to see first hand how they behaved. I chose Times Square because it is one of the most iconic locations in New York City. Observations I observed multiple people looking down at their mobile devices. While I am not certain if these people I observed using their mobile devices were visitors, it was clear that many people in the area were preoccupied with their phones rather than taking in the environment around them.
images: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.13.2013
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... continued... General Observations
images: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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... continued... General Observations Observations I observed signage throughout the city and subway systems to help guide visitors. This signage was usually small, old, hard to read, or confusing.
images: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Primary Research Three Contextual Interview Method I conducted a contextual interview with a 24 year old male visiting New York City. This method allowed me to gather information that goes beyond a simple interview. I gave the participant tasks to complete, observed how he went about completing the tasks, and asked him questions about the tasks he completed. Participant Profile The participant was a 24 year old male. He was visiting New York City for the second time in his life. The first time he visited was in 2007 with a large group from his high school. This time, he was traveling with one friend. He spent the previous day exploring the city with a friend and a local New Yorker. The local New Yorker did all of the guiding the previous day. When the contextual interview was done, however, the participant was on his own. Results The participant immediately looked at his smart phone for directions. While he was able to find the destination, it was very difficult for him and took more time than needed.
“The blue dot kept jumping and it “I couldn’t figure out which was hard to figure out where I was direction to walk after I exited the on the map.” subway station.”
He noted that it was hard to tell where he was on the map even though there was a point indicating where he was. image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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... continued... Contextual Interview
“I couldn’t access the internet on my phone when I was on the subway.”
He said that the dot was not accurate and it was hard to orient himself so he could figure out which direction to walk. He also struggled with locating a subway station that was marked on the map. I also observed the participant veering as he walked and looked at the phone. He even tripped and fell off the sidewalk at one point.
image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Secondary Research
18
Total Visitors to NYC 2003-2011
Secondary Research One NYC Visitor Statistics Visitors (international and domestic) to New York City: 2011: 50.9 million 2010: 48.8 million 2009: 45.8 million
Visitors (million)
Description
60
2008: 47.1 million
50 40 30 20 10 0
2007: 46 million
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2006: 43.8 million 2004: 39.9 million
Visitor spending (international and domestic): 2011: $34.5 billion
2006: $26.2 billion 2005: $24.3 billion 2004: $21.3 billion 2003: $18.5 billion
$ (billion)
2010: $31.5 billion
2007: $30.0 billion
2010
2011
2010
2011
Direct Visitor Spending NYC 2003-2011
2003: 37.8 million
2008: $32.0 billion
2009
Year
2005: 42.7 million
2009: $28.2 billion
2008
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Year reference: http://www.nycgo.com/articles/nyc-statistics-page on 01.14.2013
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Secondary Research Two
“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton
Traveler vs. Tourist Quotes “The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” -G.K. Chesterton “The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes ‘sight-seeing.’” -Daniel J. Boorstin
Traveler
vs.
Tourist
“The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes ‘sight-seeing.’” -Daniel J. Boorstin
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Secondary Research Three Literature Summary
On Attention to Surroundings by Malcolm McCullough
Article Summary The paper begins by explaining that the more information available to people less attentive they become. The difference between overconsumption and overload is discussed. Overconsumption usually leads to multitasking and cognitive scientists have found that people cannot effectively multi task. However, multitasking is not the only debate surrounding overconsumption. An analogy of a spotlight is used to describe how attention is not always visual or selective like that of the spotlight. The author describes that “Today’s landscape of design possibilities is not just in your handheld; there are situated technologies, too.” The paper asks whether technology can be used to tune the environment in rather than out. The next section of the paper focuses on the street level. There is a paradigm shift in U.S. urbanism: walking. The author then
“... from visionary Herb Simon: ‘In an information-rich world, the wealth of information means a death of something else: a scarcity of whatever it is that information consumes. What information consumes is rather obvious: It consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention…’” “Embodiment and orientation can be important components of attention. Not all attention involves thought. Not all interaction needs procedures and names... as interaction designers know, affordances shape knowing. ” “Urbanism now explodes into technological design thinking, as the time has come to build street-level apps and environmental big data for a rapidly urbanizing world.”
“The more that those habits involve fascination with some aspects of the world instead of entertainment by tuning out, the less empty overconsumption or casual attention theft you may suffer.” “Self-respecting urbanists might remind you that various forms of media don’t just describe urban space, but also help make it... Usability cannot be reduced to instruction... Habitual casual participation is the stuff of good city life.” “It is worth remembering that the environment isn’t simply someplace else in a pristine state, devoid of technology; it is all around you. It is slowly being augmented, with good design and bad. This seems worth your attention.”
discusses media within the urban environment. [4]
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Secondary Research Four Literature Summary
“I Did It My Way”: Moving Away from the Tyranny of Turn-by-Turn Pedestrian Navigation by Robinson, Jones, Eslambolchilar, Murray-Smith, and Lindborg
Article Summary This paper outlines a study that researchers did with a pedestrian navigation system that guides pedestrians via a handheld device that vibrates. The device vibrates in the general direction that the pedestrian needs to travel to reach their final destination. This allows pedestrians to choose their own paths rather than follow a path step-bystep. They tested two different devices. One device gave
“Our goal is to remove the division of attention between a navigation device and the real world it describes; instead we prompt users to fuse their view of a location with the feedback given, allowing a more engaging experience.” (p. 341)
“In some cases these shortcuts have caused the participant to reach a dead end – this is an example of where our design does not offer the precision of a turn-by-turn navigation system. However, even in these cases users have managed to find the end point with no further assistance.” (p. 344)
“In our prototypes, the feedback is not given in a turn-by-turn fashion; rather we present directional vibration to indicate the bearing of the destination, and allow the user to make their own path choices.” (p. 342)
more detailed feedback than the other. All users tested were able to reach the final destination. One user noted that s/he would prefer a device that was not handheld.
[8]
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Secondary Research Five Literature Summary
A Space-Identifying Ubiquitous Infrastructure and its Application for Tour-Guiding Service by Bessho, Kobayashi, Koshizuka, and Sakamura
Article Summary This paper discusses a navigation tool that was tested in a large shopping center in Tokyo, Japan. The shopping center has many artworks throughout. The device guides users through the center, but not necessarily step-by-step. If visitors veer off the path, it will recalculate based on their new location. Instead of a map layout, the device displays landmarks to help users orient themselves in the shopping center. This tool was originally designed to help people with disabilities. It uses RFID technology. Users are able to use the device to bring up information about the art pieces they view.
“Our developed tour-guiding system “We have chosen contents such that introduces many art works in a large represent landmarks of the indoor commercial complex in Japan” (p. 1616). environment. Showing a map inside a building is not user-friendly in a lot of “Firstly, they are not capable of cases for the reason that users traverse supporting indoor or underground different floors. On the other hand, the environments where GPS signals are landmarks of the indoor environment not available.... Secondly, they are not give a useful clue, for example, doors, aware of the places of human interest... escalators, and shops.” To overcome such limitations, we (p. 1618) propose a space-identifying ubiquitous infrastructure, which is an infrastructure “Some active RFID tags are installed in deployed ubiquitously to identify the the lamp posts for the outdoor garden, place of users” (p. 1616). and some active RFID tags and infrared beacons are installed on the ceiling of “… users can visit art works by following the buildings…” the automatic navigation service and (p. 1619) enjoy the contents presented by the art introduction service… unlike the “In the experiment, all the navigation traditional systems, it is not limited to tasks succeeded, that is, all the some designated route in a museum, examinees could reach the designated and users can freely visit their interested destination by themselves. art works from any point in both indoor (p. 1620) and outdoor areas in the Midtown.” (p. 1616) [5]
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Secondary Research Six Literature Summary
A Group Tour Guide System with RFIDs and Wireless Sensor Networks by Chen, Chen, Wu, Tseng, and Huang
Article Summary This paper discusses a concept that uses RFID technology. It is for tour guides and their groups. The tourists are able to wander away from the tour group and at any time they can see where the tour guide is and find a route back to them. This allows tourists to “go off the beaten path” during their guided tour. The tour guide is also able to signal to the tourists that they should re-group.
“... a new application framework for group tour guiding services based on RFIDs and wireless sensor network.” (p. 561)
“Our goal is to provide the following services:
“Members of a group will follow the moving path of their leader, but may occasionally roam around randomly based on their interest.” (p. 561)
(ii) maintaining the guiding paths to each leader,
“The design enables reliable group guiding at low cost and low traffic load.” (p. 561)
(iv) helping leaders call their members.” (p. 561)
(i) tracking the locations of leaders,
(iii) showing guiding paths for lost members, and
“Each sensor node is attached to a “Only the tour guide carries a badge, direction board for displaying simple which can emit audio signals for tracking guiding direction.” purpose. Each member simply carriers (p. 561) a ticket tagged with a passive RFID tag. Therefore, only the locations of tour guides can be tracked.” (p. 561)
[6]
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Secondary Research Seven Literature Summary
Landmark recognition in VISITO: Visual Support to Interactive Tourism in Tuscany by Amato, Bolettieri, and Falchi
Article Summary This paper discusses a mobile device that allows tourists to take pictures of landmarks in Tuscany and receive information about them. The information they receive is even specific based on the part of the piece they focus their photograph on. This device/app can be used by tourists during the tour, before the tour, and after the tour.
“... an interactive guide for tourists visiting cities of art accessible via smart phones. The peculiarity of the system is that user interaction is mainly obtained by the use of images - In order to receive information on a particular monument users just have to take a picture of it. VISITO Tuscany, using techniques of image analysis and content recognition, automatically recognize the photographed monuments and pertinent information is displayed to the user.” “... if focuses on offering services to be used: During the tour Before the tour After the tour”
“While taking pictures of monuments, places and other close-up objects, the user points out what, according to him, seems to be more interesting.” “The demonstrated system is composed of three main components: a client application that runs on a mobile phone, an image classifier that recognizes landmarks contained in pictures, and a digital library containing descriptions of various monuments.” “... we propose an algorithm that first assigns a label to each local feature of an image query.”
[3]
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Secondary Research Eight Literature Summary
In-Car GPS Navigation: Engagement with and Disengagement from the Environment by Leshed, Velden, Rieger, Kot, and Sengers
Article Summary The paper discusses the pros and cons of people using GPS systems in their cars. It discusses how GPS systems can take away from the in car experience, but how it can also be beneficial for exploring. It also discusses that GPS systems are beneficial for people who are not very good at navigation.
“We argue that GPS-based car navigation might disengage people from their surrounding environment, but also has the potential to open up novel ways to engage with it.” (p. 1675)
“As the introduction of new technologies generates new practices, new forms of spatiality arise, with new opportunities for engagement with the environment.” (p. 1676)
“... raise awareness of how the proliferation of in-car GPS technology alters users’ experiences of their environment... this paper is not about performance, safety, or efficiency.” (p. 1675)
“We found evidence for loss of environmental engagement: with the GPS you no longer need to know where you are and where your destination is, attend to physical landmarks along the way, or get assistance from other people in the car and outside of it.” (p. 1680)
“GPS relieves the car driver and passengers of the need to closely observe the environment, to look out for road signs or landmarks, to orient with respect to where they are located, and to memorize a chosen route for future reference... Thanks to GPS, ‘engaging with the environment becomes a matter of choice.’” (p. 1676)
“... we also found evidence for GPS units providing new opportunities for engagement with the environment. Discovering landmarks otherwise invisible from the road, exploring previously unknown areas thanks to a new sense of security, and interacting with the GPS units as if they are animate are examples of new practices that arise around this technology.” (p. 1680) [2]
26
... continued... Literature Summary
In-Car GPS Navigation: Engagement with and Disengagement from the Environment by Leshed, Velden, Rieger, Kot, and Sengers
“... we introduce ideas to foster environment-awareness and interactions with the surroundings by turning attention from travel efficiency to environmental engagement and appreciation. The design principles put forward aim to provide high-level guidance rather than feature-centered design... ” (p. 1681) “(i) Navigate by landmarks... (ii) Highlight the ambiguity of GPS data... (iii) Extend context-aware capabilities... (iv) Support the car as a social place...” (p. 1681-1682) “‘There is a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in being able to relate fully to the activity we perform and to the environment in which we are. GPS technology takes that experience away, as the response is provided by a mechanism that is hidden, unreachable, and, to most users, incomprehensible.’” (p. 1682)
“Our field study results show a few instances of de-skilling, not only of navigation and orientation skills, but also of social skills.” (p. 1682) “... the problem of disengagement is inherent in the essence of GPS systems as technological devices that commodify, and hence cannot be rectified by any redesign effort.” (p. 1683) “... GPS is a blessing for those who find it hard to acquire navigation skills in the first place.” (p. 1683) “There is an opportunity to embed design elements to remind us of the fragility of our natural environment, and stimulate and inspire reflections on environmental concerns. (p. 1683)
[2]
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Secondary Research Nine Literature Summary
The Adoption of Mobile Tourism Services: An Empirical Study by Gao, Roinend, and Krogstie
Article Summary This paper examines the adoption of mobile tourism apps. “As one of the biggest sectors in the world, the tourism industry is a very attractive sector for mobile technology (p. 47).” It outlines what the authors believe to be important aspects of such apps in order for them to be successful and useful to users.
“The objective of this paper is to examine how well the proposed research model are able to explain mobile tourism services adoption in an empirical study with a mobile service called MTSR.” (p. 47) “The proposed mobile services acceptance model is an extension of TAM, with a consideration of trust, context, and personal initiatives and characteristics factors in addition to perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, to study the user adoption of mobile services.” (p. 48) “The Mobile Tourist Service Recommender (MTSR) system is intended to help tourists find points of interest (POI) such as hotels and restaurants in order to let them schedule their time more efficiently and increase the probability that they will visit the places that they’ll actually enjoy.” (p. 51)
“The result showed that the most important determinant for intention to use of mobile tourism services is Personal Initiatives and Characteristics... Another finding indicated that the construct Trust has a positively direct effect on intention to use.” (p. 54) “The findings suggest that users need the right mobile service in the right context at the right time. Mobile services providers and developers should improve their understanding of trust-related concerns and personal preferences and characteristics of the target users and users in order to fulfill the users’ expectations.” (p. 54) “... we found that personal initiatives and characteristics, trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key determinants for the users to adopt MTSR.” (p. 55)
[7]
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Secondary Research Ten Literature Summary
Tacticycle - A Tactile Display for Supporting Tourists on a Bicycle Trip by Poppinga, Pielot, and Boll
Article Summary This paper discusses a study that was done on a bicycle that gives tactile feedback to users via vibrating handlebars and speakers. The vibrating handlebars are used to help navigate the users while the speakers are used to give the user information about various points of interest (POIs).
“We designed and developed an orientation aid, Tacticycle that does not influence the cycling experience but improve the orientation and awareness of the overall direction. In order to ensure the cyclists’ safety two vibrotactile actuators are used to indicate directions and announce the presence of interesting places.” “These trips often have an explorative character in which the cyclists try to find out something about the area and have enough time and interest to one or another detour.” “In contrast to visual displays, tactile displays do not compete with the visual attention, and have successfully been used in different navigation and orientation applications.”
“From the requirements study we derived four design implications for a system that is aimed at supporting the experience of tourists on a bicycle trip: 1. provide orientation help 2. support planning trips on-the-fly 3. support a drift towards the destination 4. highlight interesting spots” “Every participant noticed at least one advantage of the system, mainly the increased environment awareness or the reduced need to explicitly gain orientation or spatial information.”
[1]
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Collection of Exemplars
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Exemplar Overview Features
Screen based
Not screen based
Concepts that require a computer,
Concepts that do not require a
smart phone, or other screen for
computer, smart phone, or other
main functionality.
screen for main functionality.
Directional
Visual
Provide directions to assist visitors
Provide information and/or
with navigation.
directions in a visual format.
Informative
Non-visual
Provide information to visitors
Provide information and/or
about landmarks, attractions, etc.
navigation to users using the sense
Description Each exemplar that I analyzed can be categorized as either directional or informative, visual or non-visual, and screen based or not screen based. It is possible for an exemplar to be both directional and informative as well as both visual and non-visual.
?
of touch, vibrations, sounds, etc.
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Exemplar One nycgo.com Description nycgo.com is a website that consists of information about New York City.
Pros Users can use this website to find top attractions, things to do, where to stay, etc. The website even posts information about restaurants and Broadway and usually correlates their recommendations with deals. One especially nice feature is that the site allows users to enter which days they will be in NYC and see what events are going on at that time.
Cons While this site contains a lot of information, it might be overwhelming for some users. It also lacks in informing users about how to get to their desired destinations based on where they will be staying in the city.
? image: http://www.nycgo.com on 02.25.2013
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Exemplar Two foursquare Description Foursquare is a location-based mobile application that allows users to “check-in” to their current location.
Pros Users can see where their friends check-in and their friends can see where they check-in. Users accumulate points and badges based on their check-ins. Another feature of this application is the option to “explore.” Users can use this feature to see what is around them.
Cons This application was not initially designed as a discovery tool. It will show what’s in your vicinity, but that may cause users to miss out on something not in the range of the application. It also relies on access to the internet which may not be available all the time.
? image: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id306934924?mt=8 on 01.14.2013
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Exemplar Three Yelp Description Yelp is a web-based site that allows users to review restaurants and businesses. It can also be used to look-up what restaurants and businesses are in a city.
Pros Yelp allows users to read others’ reviews about places of interest. This is a good tool to help people read about others’ experiences. The mobile application also now allows users to hold up their phones and see what is around them and in which direction.
Cons Yelp requires users to have access to the internet in order to access it. Also, if users are using the function to see what’s near them, they miss out on something that is out of the range of the app.
? image: Barbara Belsito in Bloomington, IN on 04.19.2013
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Exemplar Four Embark NYC Subway Description Embark NYC Subway is an application that helps users navigate the NYC subway system. Users enter their starting point and ending point and the app gives step-by-step instructions on how to travel.
Pros The app includes information for various departure times and even shows walking directions. The app also claims to work even when there is not internet connection underground.
Cons This app is great for navigating the subway system, but not so great when it comes to exploring landmarks, etc.
? image: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/embark-nyc-subway-new-york/id450991137?mt=8 on 01.14.2013
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Exemplar Five The Amazing Race Description The Amazing Race is a television game show where contestants work in teams in a race around the world. Contestants are given clues that guide them to their next place. They must complete various tasks along the way. The last team to arrive to each checkpoint is usually eliminated unless it is a non-elimination round.
Pros This is a good example of something that enables participants to engage with the world around them completing tasks that they probably never would have done.
Cons Only participants on the TV game show are eligible to participate.
? image: http://reality-tv.findthebest.com/q/161/1544/When-did-The-Amazing-Race-start on 01.14.2013 image: http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2010/05/13/amazing-race-brent-caite-talk-about-finishing-in-third/ on 04.10.2013
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Exemplar Six The Go Game Description The Go Game is a team building activity. Teams are given a portable device that gives them clues and tasks. Teams are required to document their completion of the tasks by taking photo or video. Once a team enters the answer to the “riddle� on the device, they are given their next task. All tasks are based on the location in which the game takes place - in this case, downtown San Francisco, California.
Pros This is a great way to enable people to explore a city in a fun and sometimes educational way.
Cons In order to participate, users must contact the company and spend quite a bit of money for the service.
? image: http://thegogame.com/team_building on 01.14.2013 image: http://gigaom.com/2011/07/11/the-go-game-app-team-building-though-mobile-games/ on 01.14.2013
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Exemplar Seven airbnb.com Description Airbnb.com is an online site that allows people to rent their homes or rooms within their homes to others.
Pros This is a great way to enable travelers to experience living in a home or apartment within a city vs. a hotel. If the traveler stays in a home or apartment in which the owner also stays then this is a great way for the traveler to learn more about local spots.
Cons The owner of the home or apartment may not be staying at the home at the same time as the traveler who is renting. Also, users of Airbnb.com have recently faced trouble with the law when it comes to laws surrounding the right to rent their property.
? image: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airbnb.android on 01.24.2013 image: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airbnb/id401626263?mt=8 on 03.27.2013
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Exemplar Eight Map Description Usually paper based. A map provides a drawing or image of a place. It usually shows roads, terrain, cities, and maybe even places of interest.
Pros Maps can be accessed without internet.
Cons Maps can become damaged in the rain. They can also rip easily and are not ideal when it is windy. They also tend to be large in size. Also, they are not interactive so it might take users awhile to find what they are looking for or to orient themselves.
image: Barbara Belsito in Bloomington, IN on 03.20.2013
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Exemplar Nine Travel Books Description Travel books are books that contain information about a specific area, region, or city. Common information in travel books includes maps, restaurants, hotels, and other places of interest.
Pros Travel books can be a good source of information to visitors. Since they are books, the information can be accessed anywhere at any time as long as the visitor has the book.
Cons Travel books can be a hassle to carry around and may be time consuming for visitors to find what they are looking for using a table of contents or index.
? image: Barbara Belsito in Bloomington, IN on 03.20.2013
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Exemplar Ten Sightseeing Tour Buses Description Bus tours are double-decker sightseeing buses that allow visitors to get on and off at key attractions around the city.
Pros Sightseeing tour buses are an easy way for visitors to navigate around the city to key attractions. The buses are usually large, well marked, and easy to identify. They are great for visitors who want to see a lot in a very short amount of time.
Cons The cost of riding a sightseeing tour bus usually costs more than what visitors would pay if they were to purchase a subway pass. Since the buses follow a route, it does not encourage visitors to explore very far off the path. Also, visitors who uses these buses usually do not spend very much time at each location in order to see as many locations as possible in a short amount of time.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Exemplar Eleven Compass Description A compass is a tool that tells direction - North, East, South, West, North East, North West, South East, South West.
Pros Visitors can use a compass to figure out which direction they are facing. This can be used with a map in order to orient themselves.
Cons A compass by itself gives limited information. A visitor using only a compass will not be able to know anything except for which way is North, South, East, West, etc. A compass does not give step-by-step directions nor does it provide any information about anything nearby.
? image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnddave/8646772799/ on 04.15.2013 under creative commons
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Exemplar Twelve The Wiggle - San Francisco Description The Wiggle is a marked path in the city of San Francisco. It guides cyclists on the best path to get from East to West (or vice versa). The path was made based on the location of hills around the city. Since San Francisco is a very hilly city, this path is meant to guide cyclists so that they can avoid as many large hills as possible.
Pros The Wiggle is good for helping cyclists navigate across the city while avoiding major hills.
Cons The Wiggle is not interactive and does not guide users to anyplace in particular. By avoiding major hills, cyclists may miss something that is off the path.
left image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_lowry/5638908497/ on 02.25.2013 under Creative Commons right image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnfriedman/7175614003/ on 02.25.2013 under Creative Commons
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Exemplar Thirteen Geocaching Description “Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.� - geocaching.com
Pros Geocaching is a good tool for people to use in order to explore things in the environment that they would otherwise not be aware of.
Cons Geocaching focuses on helping people find hidden objects in the surrounding environment. Someone cannot use this tool to find well-known objects or landmarks.
image: http://www.geocaching.com/ on 02.25.2013 image: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/geocaching/id292242503?mt=8 on 03.27.2013
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Exemplar Fourteen Hacked shoes with arrows that guide users Description This pair of shoes was designed and developed to be able to guide the wearer. One show displays the distance and the other shoe displays the direction. The shoe contains a GPS and an antenna. The GPS is started when the heels are clicked together (similar to the red slippers in the Wizard of Oz). You first connect the shoes to the computer and enter your destination.
Pros This shoe allows users to navigate without the use of a handheld device or map.
Cons Users of this shoe might focus too much of their attention on the shoes and thus potentially miss out on observing their surroundings as they navigate.
image: http://www.creativeapplications.net/arduino-2/no-place-like-home-a-pair-of-shoes-that-will-always-guide-youhome/ on 03.10.2013
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Exemplar Fifteen Google Glass Description Google Glass are glasses that you wear and interact with in order to receive information. Users are able to interact with the glasses using only their voices.
Pros Google Glass is a good hands-free device that users can wear and use while traveling. They can use it to find out information about landmarks around them. They can even use it to ask directions and see the directions right in front of their eyes via the glasses. Another use of Google Glass is translation. The user can tell the glasses to translate words and sentences into another language.
Cons Google Glass has a very distinct look that may not be desirable to some users. Also, while uses Google Glass, the user may look odd because they might appear to be talking to themselves or nobody. It could also be potentially distracting to users.
? top image: http://www.google.com/glass/start/what-it-does/ on 03.20.2013 lower image: www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/04/augmented-reality-experts-say-google-glasses-face-serious-hurdles/ on 03.20.2013
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Exemplar Sixteen MTA App Quest Description “The MTA is challenging software developers to use MTA data to create new apps that improve the transit experience of its 8.5 million daily riders.�
Pros This challenges developers to create apps that help users navigate the New York City metro.
Cons This challenges developers to develope a phone-based application. This will only contribute to the many already existing apps that require users to look at their phone screens instead of the environment around them.
image: http://mtaappquest.com/ on 03.28.2013
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Exemplar Seventeen Broadway: 1000 Steps Description “Slated for spring 2013 implementation, the project will run the length of Broadway and highlight natural and human landscape elements of which passersby would have been previously unaware. Installation elements reflect elements of Bloomberg’s PlaNYC (including air, water, land and energy) and encourage viewers to con sider their surroundings in new ways, such as mirrors and signage to draw attention to bird flight patterns and bright borders on storm drains to draw attention to waste water management. Diagrams on pavement and even complementary smartphone apps provide multiple visual elements by which participants in the installation can start to conceptualize their surroundings as defined by more than concrete and street signs.”
Pros This installation helps people to see more than just concrete and signs. People become more aware of the environment and see things that they would have otherwise walked right passed without second thought.
? image: http://newyork.thecityatlas.org/lifestyle/cuny-panel-discusses-intersection-of-art-and-science/ on 03.28.2013
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Exemplar Eighteen Roadtrippers Description “Half travel guidebook, half app, Roadtrippers’ goal is turning trips into adventures. The website, which was recently redesigned as a fully responsive web app, gives globetrotters a tool to discover mainstream and offbeat attractions, lodgings, and restaurants from West Virginia to West Hollywood... The web app and its iPhone companion only require a starting point, a destination, and a few selections of interests to create a path. Standard hotels and tree-house lodgings are listed side by side, as are guides to scenic mountain ranges and unique microbrews.”
Pros A great tool for helping people discover places and attractions along their travel route that they would have never known about otherwise. This tool also does a good job at appealing to BOTH planners and explorers.
Cons While this is a great tool for discovering places and attractions along a route, it does not do very well when it comes to helping users navigate without relying on a map.
? computer image: http://www.wired.com/design/2013/03/road-trippers/ on 03.28.2013 app image: https://itunes.apple.com/app/roadtrippers/id573012550?mt=8 on 04.11.2013
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Exemplar Nineteen A Day Made of Glass Description This concept is just one vision from the company Corning a company specializing in glass and ceramics. “... Corning’s vision for the future includes a world in which myriad ordinary surfaces transform ‘from one-dimensional utility into sophisticated electronic devices.’” One of their concepts is an interactive glass wall at a bus stop. The user is able to interact with the glass to route directions to her destination. She is then able to tap her phone to the glass and the route will transfer and upload to her mobile device.
Pros This concept allows users who do not have mobile devices to find directions to their desired destination.
Cons Users who do not own smart handheld devices are not able to capture the route and must rely on memory while they navigate. Also, the large, public display might raise security and privacy concerns because the information is clearly visible to other people in the vicinity of the wall.
images: http://www.corning.com/news_center/features/A_Day_Made_of_Glass.aspx on 03.28.2013
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Exemplar Twenty Disney’s Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure - Interactive Epcot Scavenger Hunt Description This is an interactive scavenger hunt at Epcot. “Here at Epcot, guests transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents use a high tech detection device called a “F.O.N.E.” (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to receive clues for each case.”
Pros This scavenger hunt uses a “phone,” but is designed to interact with objects in the environment. This encourages and even forces users to look up from the device and observe their environment.
Cons This particular scavenger hunt is tailored towards children and may not appeal to many adults.
? image: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/11/agent-p-expands-his-mission-through-world-showcase-at-epcot/ on 04.11.2013
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Insights from Research
52
Insights
1
Traveler vs. Tourist
6
Fascination with environment
2
Informational vs. Directional
7
Trust, usefulness, ease of use
3
Aide discovery and exploration
8
Difficulty navigating subway
4
General vs. Step-by-step
9
Locals know more about city
5
Use of images and landmarks
10
Info. about POIs desirable
53
Insight One
“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton
Traveler vs. Tourist Description People who visit new places are often referred to as “tourists.” However, it is possible to differentiate between
no definite plans
different types of people who visit new places. There
hotel
is a distinction that can be made between “tourist” and “traveler.”
It is important to note, however, that it is possible for someone to identify as a “touristy traveler” or a “traveling tourist.” This means that someone can be a tourist - i.e. they feel more comfortable with strict schedules and planning, but they also enjoy meeting and staying with locals (strangers) during their stay. Also, it is possible for someone to stay in a hotel, but they enjoy aimless wandering with no definite plans during their visit.
aimless wandering
planning
stay with local friends
Traveler
Tourist
active seeks adventure stay with strangers
safety schedule passive
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Insight Two
Insight Four
Insight Five
Informational vs. Directional
General vs. Step-by-step
Use of images and landmarks
Description
Description
Description
Some devices and concepts designed for visitors provide
Some people (i.e. tourists) prefer step-by-step navigation rather
either a) information, b) navigation, or c) both.
than general directional navigation. They each have their pros and cons. Ideally, a design should give general navigation with
Informational
the choice for the user to select a step-by-step route when
Informational devices and concepts provide the user with
needed or desired.
information about a place, landmark, etc.
Images and landmarks can be more effective in helping visitors orient themselves. They can also be more effective in information discovery.
Insight Six
General navigation Directional
General navigation allows users to explore and discover more
Directional devices and concepts help users navigate a city,
while still receiving feedback that they are headed in the right
place, or area of interest.
general direction of their destination. This general directional feedback can be received in the form of tactile and/or sound
Insight Three Aide discovery and exploration
Fascination with environment Description
feedback.
If users are fascinated with the environment then they will be
Step-by-step
interact with the environment will help users find fascination in
Step-by-step navigation makes traveling more comfortable to
less inclined to tune it out. Creating devices or concepts that the environment around them.
those who find it hard to acquire navigation skills, but may hinder them from discovering places or landmarks off of their
Description
route.
Help visitors discover places and landmarks they would otherwise miss because they are simply unaware of them.
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Insight Seven Trust, usefulness, ease of use Description Trust, usefulness, and ease of use are all key factors that will help users adapt and use navigational and informational devices while traveling.
Trust Trust refers to whether or not a user believes that the information they are receiving from the device is accurate.
Usefulness
Trust User Needs
Usefulness Usefulness refers to how the user feels about how relevant the tool or device is to what they are trying to do, learn, navigate, etc.
Ease of use Ease of use refers to how the user feels about how easy or difficult it will be to use a tool or device.
Ease of use
56
Insight Eight
Insight Nine
Insight Ten
Difficulty navigating subway
Locals know more about city
Info. about POIs desirable
Description
Description
Description
The New York City subway is very large with multiple lines
Locals, or people who live in New York City, tend to know more
running through multiple stations. There are also multiple
about the city in general. They know more about the best
trains that go through the same platform. Through
restaurants, bars, attractions, etc. because they live there and
observations, I found that the New York City subway city
have the opportunity to try out many different places.
iconic. Reading tour books and large blocks of text is not that
results in frustration and sometimes visitors will end up
People who live in New York City also tend to know the best
interesting.
taking a taxi which is more expensive because they are not
ways to navigate the city. They know more about what times
able to navigate the subway.
the subway and streets will be crowded. They also know if it is
can be difficult and confusing for visitors to navigate. This
Many visitors want information about the places they visit. This information can be historical or current. There is so much history in a city such as New York City because it is so old and desirable to every visitor, but they usually find little anecdotes
best to travel between destinations via foot, subway, taxi, bus, The frustration that visitors feel while navigating the
etc. because they have more experience using these various
subway system can make it seem as though they had a
forms of transportation at various hours of the day and week.
bad experience in New York City. Tools and devices that aide visitors in their navigation of the subway system are
Visitors can benefit from the shared knowledge of locals.
valuable.
57
Concepts
58
Concepts Overview
Directional
Map based
Provide directions to assist visitors
Provide directions to assist visitors
with navigation.
with navigation by allowing them
Design Criteria Description Based on my research and insights, I came up with the following criteria for design which will help lead to concepts for visitors of NYC. These criteria are intended to help guide and ground designs that will encourage explorative behavior and encourage users to pay more attention to the environment around them. Not every
to view a map of the route.
?
Informative
Landmark based
Provide information to visitors
Provide information and/or
about landmarks, attractions, etc.
navigation to users using images of landmarks.
design needs to include every criteria. They are meant to be guiding design principles rather than requirements. It is possible for a design to be both directional and informative; both visual and non-visual; and both map and location based.
Visual
Local connections
Provide information and/or
Provide information from locals
directions in a visual format.
to visitors and/or connect visitors with locals.
Non-visual Provide information and/or navigation to users using the sense of touch, vibrations, sounds, etc.
!
Explorative Encourage users to explore the environment around them.
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Concept One Crosswalk Metro Info Button Description This concept makes use of existing poles at crosswalks. Currently, there are crosswalk signals on almost every corner. When a pedestrian wants to cross the street, they press a button and are made aware of when they can and cannot cross the street. In addition to the button to signal to cross the street, pedestrians will now also have the option to press a button which will vocally give them directions to the nearest metro station.
Pros This concepts helps pedestrian visitors navigate to the nearest metro station without the use of a smart phone.
Cons If it is voice-activated only, then deaf pedestrians will not be able to make use of the device.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.13.2013
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Concept Two Informative Trash Cans Description When people put trash into a trash can on the street, the trash can will respond by telling them a fact about something nearby.
Pros This concept encourages people to throw trash into the trash bin rather than littering. In exchange, the trash can tells them a fact about something nearby.
Formerly named Longacre Square, it was renamed in April 1904 after the New York Times moved its headquarters to the Times Building, now called One Times Square.
Cons Deaf people will not be able to benefit from the talking trash can.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013 fact: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8451853/10-facts-about-Times-Square.html on 04.02.2013
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Concept Three Central Park Vibrating Handlebar Bicycles Description Visitors can rent special bicycles in Central Park. The bicycle guides them through the park using vibrations on the handlebars. RFID tags located throughout the park interact with the bicycles. These will be known as “Point of Interests” or “POI.” Once they arrive at a POI, they will be provided with information about the POI or area. They can then navigate to another POI by pushing the “Next POI” button or they can be guided back to where they need to return the bicycle by pressing the “Home” button.
Pros This concept enables users to navigate Central Park via bicycle without having to look at a map or mobile device. They will even learn something along the way. They will be free to ride wherever they choose without having to worry about finding their way back to the bicycle rental.
Cons Not all visitors enjoy cycling. Some people might feel uncomfortable without a map to look at for orientation.
?
! original image: Zach Lovall in New York, NY on 03.10.2013
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Concept Four Interactive Subway Display Description This concept is an interactive subway map display located on the subway platform. It allows users to interact with the map by entering in their desired destination. They will then receive information on how long until the next train and how long it will take them to reach their next transfer or destination.
Pros This concept allows users to see where they are on a map and find time-based directions to their destination. The times and transfers will be based on real-time. Visitors will no-longer need to rely on wifi on their mobile devices to access this information.
Cons Since these interactive subway maps are located on a train platform, it is possible that users already know the route they need to take. It might be more ideal to place these in or near the entry to the subway station so users know which platform they need to stand on in the first place.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Concept Five Directional Smartphone App that Interacts with Crosswalks Description This concept is an app that interacts with crosswalks in order to show users which direction they need to navigate. A user has a route on their smart phone that they are following to their desired destination. By pressing a button, the crosswalk will light up with a corresponding color and the user will be able to see which direction they should continue walking.
Pros This app helps users orient themselves - particularly after they have exited a subway station.
Cons This concept relies on the use of a smart phone and therefore does not address the needs of users who do not have access to a smart phone.
image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
64
Concept Six Trip Planner Description This concept allows users to choose places of interest based on images. The user selects what they want to see by selecting the corresponding image. After they select the places and landmarks that they are interested in visiting, they enter the amount of time they have to visit the places in the form of hours and days. The app will then create an itinerary and provide directions for the user. If the user veers off the routed path, then it will re-route based on where the user ends up.
Pros This app allows users to discover places that they might have otherwise been unaware of. It also allows them to specify places they are interested in visiting. They are relieved of the pressure of making a route and can enjoy the navigation to each landmarks and place with less stress.
Cons This concept requires users to have access to a smart phone.
?
! images: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.2013 map image: maps.google.com on 04.20.2013
65
Concept Seven Hang out with a local!
Meet a Local! Description
Where are you going?
New York, NY, USA
This concept allows visitors to connect with local New Yorkers. Visitors can access this site via the web. Local New Yorkers create a profile and visitors create a profile. Visitors can search for locals and locals can search for visitors. This concept works similarly to airbnb.com in that users can write reviews about different people on
Date: May Your gender: Female
15
2013
Want to hang out with: M or F
Age: 20-25
Your age: 20-25
the site. The main difference, however, is that people are not looking for or hosting a place to stay - they are simply looking for people to meet in the city while they visit.
Pros This concept allows visitors to connect with local New Yorkers. Visitors will benefit from hanging out with a local. They can either hang out at bars, explore new restaurants, or explore the city. The local receives the benefit of a free drink or meal from the visitor.
Cons Some visitors might feel uncomfortable meeting strangers, but the idea is that reviews of other visitor’s past experiences with locals will help that issue.
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Concept Eight Interactive Subway Platform Wall Description This concept requires safety walls to be built in New York City subway stations. Examples of such safety walls can be found in certain Asian countries such as South Korea. In Seoul, they have some interactive capabilities where commuters can order groceries to be delivered to their homes. In this concept, the walls will be interactive in that people waiting for the subway can find routes and other real-time information on the interactive walls.
Pros This concept allows users without smart phones to access real-time information about the subway route to their destination. Even users with smart phones will benefit because most times they do not have cell phone service in subway stations.
Cons Since the information is displayed in a large public space, this might bring up safety concerns for users.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Concept Nine Interactive Recommendation Board Description This concept is a large display board located in a touristy area such as Times Square. It displays information about what local New Yorkers recommend. This can include recommendations on restaurants, places of interest, etc. Local New Yorkers will give recommendations via their smart phones. They must have a NYC area code in order to contribute. Directions to the recommended places will also be displayed for visitors.
Pros This concept allows visitors to receive information from locals about places they might otherwise be unaware of. Often times, visitors end up only exploring well-known, iconic places, but this concept will encourage them to venture to lesser-known places.
Cons Not every local New Yorker has a NYC area code, so that requirement might hinder some local’s ability to contribute.
?
! original image: Zach Lovall in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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New
Concept Ten Interactive Phone Booths Description This concept re-invents phone booths in NYC. Instead of only having the capability of calling, these new booths
Old
will have interactive screens that display information such as weather and an interactive map. There will be an emergency button that will allow users to press if they need to contact 911.
Pros By keeping the form of a phone booth, this allows users to use the interactive screen in a somewhat private manner. General information or even advertisements could even be displayed on the outside walls. This concepts allows visitors without smart phones to have access to the internet in order to find routes to their destination.
Cons This concept only provides information to users while they are standing at the booth.
? image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.11.2013
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Concept Eleven POI Notifier Description This concept is an app that notifies the user when they are within a certain vicinity of a point of interest (POI). Throughout the city, various landmarks and interesting things will be tagged with a technology such as RFID which will interact with the app. When someone has the app downloaded, their phone will vibrate to indicate that they are near a POI. They will then be able to view information about the POI and the exact location of it.
Pros This app allows users to roam freely and be notified of interesting things around them. It promotes users ability
Tony Rosenthal 5 in 1, 1973-74
to explore on their own, but also learn a thing or two about hidden POIs that they would have otherwise missed.
Cons People without smart phones will not be able to learn about these POIs because they will have no way of being notified.
More Info
?
! original image: Zach Lovall in New York, NY on 03.09.2013
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Concept Twelve Light up path via shoes Description This concept is a small device that users can connect to the front of their shoes. It works with an app that they have on their phones where they specify where they want to go. As the user walks, they will see a beam of light that appears to guide them in the general direction of their destination. The beam of light will not be constant, but appear every now-and-then. The user is free to take whichever path they want in the general direction.
Pros This concept allows users to navigate freely with the feedback that they are headed in the correct general direction of their destination.
Cons Users without smart phones will need to upload their destination on the computer before they leave and they will therefore not be able to change the destination as they go. They will be required to find a computer if they wish to make changes to their destination.
! image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.13.2013
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Concept Thirteen Landmark Indicator on Subway Description This concept provides a visual image of nearby landmarks for each subway stop.
Pros This concept allows people on the subway to see which landmarks are near the next or current stop. This will help visitors feel more comfortable about which stop they are getting off if they are looking to find a certain point of interest. Also, it helps people on the subway be aware of the surroundings near the subway stop.
Cons Once someone exits the subway, they might have difficulty actually walking to the landmark that they saw displayed. This could be fixed with another concept that works with this current one in order to help people navigate once they have exited the subway station.
image: Barbara Belsito in New York, NY on 03.17.2012
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Strategies
73
Strategies
Moving forward The concepts, proposed designs, and guiding principles expressed in this project are not final. They are merely the beginning of a discussion on the future of tools and devices meant to assist visitors as they navigate and learn about a city - in this case, New York City. The proposed concepts will need to be prototyped and tested with users in situ. After testing, iterations will inevitably take place. The overall look and appearance of non-screen based designs will also need iteration. Collaboration with industrial and graphic designers would greatly benefit the aesthetics of each design. These proposals will also help spark the conversation and research into what future technology will be needed in order to implement each concept and the functionality they propose. So far, many tactile navigation concepts have been tested with the use of RFID technology, but there are limitations to this technology that perhaps new technology can overcome.
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References
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[1] Benjamin Poppinga, Martin Pielot, and Susanne Boll. 2009. Tacticycle: a tactile display for supporting tourists on a bi
References
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Barbara Belsito I694 Thesis Project Report Human-Computer Interaction Design Program School of Informatics & Computing Indiana University at Bloomington Advisors of Record •
Eli Blevis, Associate Professor of Informatics, Director of the HCI/d Program, Instructor of Record
•
Yue Pan, Associate Instructor
•
David Roedl, Associate Instructor
Core HCI/d Faculty Advisors •
Jeff Bardzell, Associate Professor of Informatics
•
Shaowen Bardzell, Associate Professor of Informatics
•
Marty Siegel, Professor of Informatics
•
Erik Stolterman, Professor of Informatics
Contact Information bbelsito@indiana.edu
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