In pursuit of usefulness: Resetting the design focus for mobile geographic hypermedia systems

Abstract

Mobile geographic hypermedia provides a means whereby geospatial data can be delivered to users as ‘rich’ information via highly portable devices and wireless telecommunication networks. To operate successfully, systems based on mobile geographic hypermedia combine geospatial information perception, knowledge generation and communication. Each of these aspects may be largely ineffective, however, without in-depth consideration of the usefulness (utility + usability) of the representations and the methods of interaction involved. It is argued here that rather than being driven by the underlying technology, the design of mobile geographic hypermedia systems should be approached from a usefulness perspective. Not only will this ensure their use, but ultimately their commercial success.