Can Interventions Based on User Interface Design Help Reduce the Risks Associated with Smartphone Use While Walking?

Abstract

In response to the accidents resulting from smartphone use while walking, this study aims to propose interventions based on user interface design and evaluate whether they can help reduce the behavioral changes and associated risks. First, four types of walking-sensitive changes in user interface including a pop-up reminder (reminding not to use the smartphone while walking; disabled only when tapping on it), a blank screen (disabled only when double-tapping the screen), simplified push notifications (from other applications), and hidden push notifications (from other applications), were proposed to solve problems resulted from over-concentrating on the screen and switching between multiple mobile applications. Subsequently, the proposed interventions were evaluated through the simulated tasks of smartphone use while walking along a 5.1 m × 3.6 m rectangular track in the laboratory environment. 10 males ranging from 20 to 24 years old who use smartphone for one hour per day or longer were recruited. Along with the case of no intervention, a total of five conditions of smartphone use were considered. Two conditions without smartphone use, including free walking and walking while holding a smartphone, were assessed as well. Over the seven conditions, walking speed, detection rate of unexpected stimulus, and perceived level of situation awareness were compared. Results suggested that the risks related to impaired visual attention became even higher when given any of the four interventions based on user interface design, whereas significant changes were not observed in other measures no matter whether the interventions were taken or not.