User requirements for location-based services to support hiking activities

Abstract

Location-based services (LBS) are gaining popularity and being adapted to new domains. The aim of this study was to identify user requirements for location-based information and services to support outdoor hiking activities. Two issues were emphasized in the study: possible changes occurring during a hike, and community and content needs of the hikers. Three usability engineering methods (questionnaires, empathy probes and focus-group discussions) were used to identify the potential users and their tasks during a hike. Approximately 100 specific user requirements for development of future location-based services were recognized, from which nine major themes were identified: planning a hike, additional information on the hiking area, ‘I am here’ services, location of other hikers, changing conditions, emergency situations, saving experiences, sharing experiences, and integrated and adaptive services for hiking purposes. This paper describes the test set-up to identify user requirements and discusses the critical requirements from the hiking viewpoint. Fulfilling these requirements enables the development of improved applications, services and devices for outdoor activities.