Usability analysis of smartphone applications for drivers

Abstract

This article shows the results of a benchmarking conducted of four different GPS navigation apps intended to be used while driving. The analysis was based on usability guidelines for smartphones and safety guidelines for the use of in-vehicle information systems (IVIS). The analysis aimed to observe and compare the main issues and solutions related to the use of these apps in a very particular context of use (driving a vehicle). The results demonstrate that, although there are some good interface solutions, there are potentially dangerous issues to a specific context of use that can lead to driver distraction. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.