People often become disoriented and frustrated when navigating complex, multi-level buildings. We argue that the principle reason underlying these challenges is insufficient access to the requisite information needed for developing an accurate mental representation, called a multi-level cognitive map. We postulate that increasing access to global landmarks (i.e., those visible from multiple locations/floors of a building) will aid spatial integration between floors and the development of these representations. This prediction was investigated in three experiments, using either direct perception or Augmented Reality (AR) visualizations. Results of Experiment 1 demonstrated that increasing visual access to a global landmark promoted multi-level cognitive map development, supporting our hypothesis. Experiment 2 revealed no reliable performance benefits of using two minimalist (icon-based and wire-frame) visualization techniques. Experiment 3, using a third X-ray visualization, showed reliably better performance for not only a no-visualization control but also the gold standard of direct window access. These results demonstrate that improving information access through principled visualizations benefit multi-level cognitive map development.

Citation:

Li, H., Corey, R.R., Giudice, U., and Giudice, N.A. (2016). Assessment of visualization interfaces for assisting the development of multi-level cognitive maps. In D.D. Schmorrow & M.C. Fidopiastis (Eds.), Proceedings of the 10^th International Conference of Foundations of Augmented Cognition, Part of HCI International. Toronto, CA. July 17-22 (pp. 308-321). Springer International. (corresponding author).

Download PDF

This paper summarizes the implementation, evaluation, and usability of non-visual panning operations for accessing graphics rendered on touch screen devices. Four novel non-visual panning techniques were implemented and experimentally evaluated on our experimental prototype, called a Vibro-Audio Interface (VAI), which provides completely non-visual access to graphical information using vibration, audio, and kinesthetic cues on a commercial touch screen device. This demonstration will provide an overview of our system’s functionalities and will discuss the necessity for developing non-visual panning operations enabling visually-impaired people access to large-format graphics (such as maps and floor plans).

Citation: 

Palani, H.P., Giudice, U., and Giudice, N.A. (2016). Evaluation of non-visual zooming operations on touchscreen devices. In M. Antona & C. Stephanidis (Eds.), Proceedings of the 10^th International Conference of Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction (UAHCI), Part of HCI International 2016. Toronto, CA. July 17-22 (pp. 162-174). Springer International. (corresponding author).

Download PDF

The aging process is associated with changes to many tasks of daily life for older adults, e.g. driving. This is particularly challenging in rural areas where public transportation is often non-existent. The current study explored how age affects driving ability through use of an immersive virtual reality driving simulator. Participants were required to respond to typical driving events: stopping at an intersection, controlling vehicle speed, and avoiding objects in the road. Results showed that older adult performance was consistently lower than the younger adult group for each driving event, and matched those of real-world accident data. Post-study survey data suggested that all participants were able to easily interact with the driving simulator. Results also demonstrate the efficacy of immersive virtual reality as an effective research tool. Findings from this research will influence the development of compensatory augmentations, or navigational aids, and enrich our understanding of driving and age-related concerns.

Citation:

Bennett, C.R., Corey, R.R., Giudice, U., and Giudice, N.A. (2016). Immersive virtual reality simulation as a tool for aging and driving research. In J. Zhou & G. Salvendy (Eds.), Proceedings of the Second International Conference of Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population (ITAP), Part of HCI International 2016. Toronto, CA. July 17-22 (pp. 377-385). Springer International. (corresponding author).

Download PDF