GPS NAVIGATION UI FOR E-SCOOTERS.
BACKGROUND.
This report presents a single iteration of a user-centered design process developing a GPS navigation device for rental e-scooters. The primary objective was to create an intuitive and safe navigation experience for users riding e-scooters in urban environments. User requirements were gathered through a multi-pronged approach, including interviews with six participants to understand their needs, pain points, and preferences regarding e-scooter navigation. Group discussions were held frequently to share personal experiences and research findings on e-scooter usage trends and regulations. Additionally, a detailed context of use analysis was conducted by every team member to holistically examine factors influencing e-scooter usage across user, task, environmental, organizational, and social dimensions. Based on these inputs, 27 user requirements were distilled and prioritized using the MoSCoW method. 8 requirements were categorized as must-have, 7 as should-have, 6 as could-have, and 6 as won't-have. Some key high-priority requirements include ease of locating and navigating to parking spots, monitoring battery level and remaining range, providing navigation with multiple route options based on terrain and traffic conditions, clear safety guidelines and rules, and displaying transparent pricing information.
This was a multinational, multidisciplinary team of 6, with programmers, designers, and human factors specialists. I took on the role of Principal UX researcher, as well as a secondary designer to aide in implementing features uncovered during the research process. My work included examining contemporary solutions, understanding their successes and failings, as well as extrapolating potential points of friction and future use cases from a broad spectrum of available data.
Timeline: 2 Months
Research.
The principal concern for contemporary developments in scooter GPS technology is the safety of the rider as well as those they share space with. Matviienko et. Al (2022) developed a system of unimodal alerts in the form of AR notifications, handlebar vibrations, and auditory signals, whilst Tseng et. Al (2015) conducted a preliminary study of one-dimensional point-light movement in peripheral vision as a navigation cue, all to allow the rider to maintain their concentration on the road ahead, reducing potential distractions. The second concern for any potential scooter GPS service is an understanding of riders’ route choice and usage patterns. Route choice is not as simple as plotting the shortest route, several factors influence navigation, especially regarding scooters. Zhang et. Al (2021) analysed GPS data of riders and found that routes that contained certain preferential infrastructure such as bike paths, multi-use paths, and one-way systems were more frequently chosen. This highlights that riders are willing to take longer journeys just so they can feel safer and more confident, and any GPS display should take these preferences into account when plotting a route. Additionally, usage patterns have shown that scooters are frequently used to supplement traditional forms of public transportation for first and last mile trips, (Cubells, Miralles-Guasch and Marquet, 2023) and seamlessly transitioning between the two is a notable consideration.
RESULTS.
Following the necessary research, we began the process of designing and prototyping a small display mounted between the handlebars of a rental e-scooter, with the aim of providing live navigation and mapping to help riders reach their intended destination in the best way possible. Users can login, search for destinations, utilise live navigation with multiple route options, and pay for their ride all in one place. This will allow for improved trip times, positive user experience, and a potential increase in ridership by making the process a more streamlined and efficient experience. Instead of simultaneously using the scooter and a phone for navigation, users will have accurate navigation and route conditions ready at a glance. Special consideration has been made for legibility and safety during operation so that all these conveniences can be afforded without jeopardizing the rider and their vehicle, nor the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles. To accomplish this, the visual hierarchy of the display must adapt to the chaotic environment presented without the acoustic insulation provided by closed environments like cars or buses which may preclude any auditory cues. By constantly accounting for whether the scooter is in motion or stopped, we can ascertain the rider's level of attentiveness and alter what information is provided.