Arrigator — evaluation of a speech-based pedestrian navigation system

This paper discusses the evaluation of a prototypic speech- based navigation system for pedestrians. The evaluation has been carried out with 18 subjects who used the system within a predefined test area in a German suburb on a set route. Our findings yield insights about the usefulness, the usability and the user acceptance of a navigation system that guides users with the help of spoken, landmark-based directions to their destination. One goal of the prototype was to provide guidance nearly without the necessity of using a display. Another goal was to design the dialog in a way as to convey spatial knowledge about the test area, such that the user actually gets to know this environment. Results indicate that users are willing to utilize a system like the one described and in particular prefer to navigate and orientate with the help of landmarks.