Follow the signs - countering disengagement from the real world during city exploration

Konkol, M, Kray, C, Ostkamp, M

Abstract

Visiting and exploring new cities is a popular activity but navigating them can be a challenging task for tourists and newcomers. While real-world objects such as signage support navigation but are not always available, standard mobile guides on smartphones enable efficient navigation but disengage users from their environment. When using existing navigation means such as signage or mobile apps, users remain either in the virtual or in the physical space. This work proposes an approach that directs a user’s attention to the environment by seamlessly integrating real environments and virtual assets. It facilitates switching from one world to another thus exploiting benefits from both. Our approach supports city exploration and navigation by combining references to signage with route directions composed of a compass needle and the remaining distance to a destination. The approach was evaluated in a field study and semi-structured interviews. The results provide initial evidence that the system successfully supports people in reaching their destination while maintaining the perception of their environment. Benefits and drawbacks were identified which support work in the field of city exploration and touristic navigation.