Study on haptic interaction with digital map on mobile device

Abstract

Touch panel operation is low-skilled interface for young individuals, thus the map on PDA (digital map) is used by the young individuals. However, we have not seen the less Japanese elderly or older persons use the digital map. Although our previous study pointed that Japanese elderly have an allergy to using PC, we conducted the simulation experiment and investigated the usability of our custom digital map for Japanese elderly. Although almost of the older participants could not get to the goal by using the digital map, we assumed that the haptic interaction supported planning route and understanding present location but the haptic interaction. Therefore, we observed the older participant's haptic interaction with paper map and digital map while they move to a goal position in residential area. From the results of the observational study, the relation between the haptic interaction and their performance was revealed. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.