Lost or found? A usability evaluation of a mobile navigation and location-based service

Abstract

Today’s wireless devices have the capability to receive information that is tailored to fit customers’ needs at a particular location. A locationsensitive prototype service, the Personal Navigation Tool (PNT), including user-solicited information, worldwide maps, route and location guidance, was created for the WAP-enabled Ericsson R380 Smartphone. Seven Smartphone-literate but PNT-naive users were given five typical tasks in an in-door evaluation, in order to evaluate the PNT when running over a circuit-switched GSM network. All users accomplished three tasks targeting retrieval of route directions successfully whereas two tasks targeting retrieval of location information were accomplished successfully by only two and one user, respectively. System speed was rated as inadequate. The download of traditional miniaturised maps contributed little to the mobile user's demands whereas route directions were considered valuable. User attitude towards location-based services was very positive and the potential usefulness is believed to be high.