User interfaces for mobile navigation

Purpose The aim of this work is to explore the use of lightweight but effective user interfaces for mobile navigation and wayfinding in urban environments. Design/methodology/approach – Two interactive mobile interfaces were designed and implemented following a user centred approach. The first interface makes use of 2D digital technology such as different representations of 2D maps and textual information. To enhance the user experience during navigation, location aware searches may be performed indicating information about the surroundings. The second interface makes use of virtual reality (VR) and computer graphics to present 3D maps and textual information. The VR maps are also interactive and contain hyperlinks positioned in 3D space which link to either webpages or other multimedia content. Findings – Both interfaces allow users to visualise and interact with different levels of representation of urban maps. Initial evaluation has been performed to test the usability of the 2D interface, and limitations of the 2D technology were recorded. To overcome these limitations and explore the potentials of alternative technologies a VR interface was prototyped and a pilot evaluation was conducted. Practical implications – This paper provides two prototype interfaces with some initial evaluation that may be useful for future navigation and wayfinding systems. Originality/value – As more and more people make use of mobile technologies and advanced interfaces to enhance access to location-based services, this paper offers two prototype interfaces for personal digital assistants that provide solutions to urban navigation and wayfinding.