Gravity: automatic location tracking system between a car and a pedestrian

Abstract

The use of car navigation system is very common nowadays. Most of the car navigation services are based on turn-by-turn instructions and distance calculations. Academic research in this field has focused on evaluating basic usability. However, such products and studies have not covered users' various needs that arise in specific driving situations. For example, in a complex city space, drivers often face burdensome problems, especially when picking up pedestrians. We conducted a semistructured online survey asking specific problems, work-arounds, and their suggestions in picking-up situations. We grouped responses into several issue points based on their similarities and induced design implications for a car navigation system supporting picking-up situations. Through this user-centered design approach, we developed "Gravity - Automatic Location Tracking System between a Car and a Pedestrian" as a prototype and evaluated its usability, and we received favorable feedback.