"Turn Left At The Fairham Pub" Using Navigational Guidance to Reconnect Drivers With Their Environment

Abstract

This paper explores how navigational guidance which references the world around the driver influences their experience of workload and environmental engagement on multiple journeys. In an on-road study thirty participants drove following three intersecting routes in the city of Nottingham, UK on two separate occasions, one week apart. In a between subjects design, participants followed navigational guidance from either: an existing navigation system (SatNav); or the semi-structured wayfinding prompts of an informed passenger. Results indicated that drivers following the navigational guidance of the informed passenger benefitted from lower workload overall which also reduced significantly on their second drive. Additionally, these drivers made significantly fewer errors on route and demonstrated superior survey knowledge compared to their SatNav counterparts. This evidence supports the case for enhanced route directions in future navigation devices, referencing the driver's environment in a manner that can reduce workload and navigation errors, whilst assisting in spatial knowledge development.