ENTER 2015 Research Track Slide Number 1
Usability Study of an NFC-Enabled Static Tourist Map
Beverley Cook, Elahe Kani-Zabihi and
Thomas Hughes-Roberts
Nottingham Trent University, [email protected]
http://www.institutionsiteorotherrelevantsite.org
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Content
• Problem Area• Our Solution• User Testing• Conclusions
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Problem Area
• Used to 24/7 access to rich content
• Electronic solutions are expensive
• Static maps often provided, but contain little information
• Can be difficult to use
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Problem Area
• Can we make maps easier to use and enhance the information available using standard technology that is inexpensive?
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Our Solution
• Utilize NFC Tags to identify locations of the map
• Tags can be hidden so they don’t obscure the map
• NFC Enabled smart phones can be used to read the tags
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Testing Results
• Participants did not find the map easier to use with the app than without it.
• ‘Explore Map’ was thought to be useful“…extra information about the spot you are focussing on
because the amount of information printed on the map is limited”
• Potential for accessibility (eg vision-impaired users) was identified
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Testing Results
Issues with the technology•Part of the map is obscured by the phone•User’s don’t know how close to hold the phone to read the tags•User’s don’t know where the tags are•Screen size and dropdown menus can be hard to use
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Conclusions
• User’s can see the benefit of additional information provided
• The directions mode needs further work to improve usability and usefulness
• Utilize device capabilities to improve interaction, eg voice input
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Further Work• Carry out usability testing on NFC with
different devices• Adapt the app to a more complex map• Cloud-enable to increase and improve the
information available.• Develop in-app training method to give
experience of reading NFC• Investigate accessibility options