Co-Navigator

Abstract

In-car navigation systems typically have the purpose to support the driver in a navigation task. While the field of automotive HCI research abounds in driver-focused navigation design relatively little attention has been directed to the front-seat passengers as a support to the driver for e.g., navigation. Based on our ethnographic research, we have designed and prototyped a system called Co-Navigator. It was devised to be operated by the front-seat passenger, in order to support the driver in navigation and driving related tasks. The Co-Navigator is an interactive, tablet based navigation app that provides different kinds of information such as landmarks and upcoming hazard warnings (e.g., construction sites or potholes). In this paper, we describe the prototype, its elements, and an explorative in-situ evaluation. Results show that the Co-Navigator is a valuable in-car navigation device for the front-seat passenger. Especially the map overview and hazard warnings were appreciated.