Map Design and Usability of a Simplified Topographic 2D Map on the Smartphone in Landscape and Portrait Orientations

Autor: Beata Medyńska-Gulij, Jacek Gulij, Paweł Cybulski, Krzysztof Zagata, Jakub Zawadzki, Tymoteusz Horbiński
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, Vol 11, Iss 11, p 577 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2220-9964
DOI: 10.3390/ijgi11110577
Popis: Map design and usability issues are crucial when considering different device orientations. It is visible, especially in exploring the topographical space in landscape or portrait orientation on the mobile phone. In this study, we aim to reveal the main differences and similarities among participants’ performance in a map-based task. The study presents an original research scheme, including establishing conceptual assumptions, developing map applications with gaming elements, user testing, and visualizing results. It appears that the different phone orientation triggers different visual strategy. This transfers into decision-making about the path selection. It turned out that in landscape orientation, participants preferred paths oriented east–west. On the other hand, portrait orientation supported north–south path selection. However, considering the given task accomplishment, both mobile phones’ orientations are adequate for the exploration of topographical space.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals