Research on GUI Design Guideline of Telematics System

Research on GUI Design Guideline of Telematics System - Research on Example of Auto Telematics GUI Design-orientation

Kyuhong MIN

Myongji College. Dept. of Industrial Information Design. 356-1 hongeun3-Dong Seodaemun-Ku Seoul KOREA, [email protected]

Abstract:

In developing car navigation system and telematics expected to be universalized in the near future as

digital information media, it is considered to be urgent to develop and research interactive GUI Design conforming to the characteristics of user, society, environment and the cyber information that is the major target of the development. Due to the characteristics of telematics system, it is hard to invest excessive human and material resources into short term GUI Development, especially for the small and medium sized enterprises. The construction of GUI Development process and GUI Design guideline appropriate for telematics system is required in market environment at initial stage of the development. This study proposes efficient interactive communication support means and method between the equipment and the user in digital information society analyzing the paradigm of digital information design and inferring interface element (GUI). Also, this paper proposes integrated GUI Design guideline of telematics system and DB Construction, and will perform case study to verify GUI Design guideline. Key words : GUI, Mobile Interface, Telematics system, Metaphor , Popularity

1. Introduction It is thought that in the development of car navigations system and telematics, soon-to be universalized as the Digital Information Medium, development and research on interactive GUI (Graphic User Interface) design, coinciding with the particular point that the major subject is Cyber Information, users and society, as well as environmental special character, is urgent. For the telematics system, it is difficult to invest excessive human resources or material resources for effective GUI development and it would be more difficult for small and medium-sized firms. GUI development process and GUI design guideline-building suitable for the telematics system is regarded as research needed for the market environment in the early stage of development. This research suggests the means and method to support effective interactive communication between machinery & tools and users in the digital and information society, to analyze the paradigm of digital information design and deduce the interface element (GUI). Also, it suggests DB-building and an integrated GUI design guideline of telematics system, and conducts research on application examples for verifying the GUI design guideline. This project is aimed at: (1) the systematization of GUI design development process (2) the collection of information on telematics GUI Design (3) the suggestion of the aim of telematics GUI design (4) the suggestion of telematics GUI design guideline

2. Research method This research is composed of the basic structure of design process and the concept of GUI through research on basic documentary records, users' demands and features, protocol research for basic GUI elements, and the research and assessment on the products. Example research aims at the suggestion of the aim and the building of a proper guideline with high applicability and practicability in the development of GUI design of future telematics systems through research on basic examples for determining GUI's concept, basic structure of design process, and consumers' demands and characteristics. The result of the example research was concluded and suggested a proper GUI guideline suitable for future development, and as well, generalized and popularized the telematics system, not being the alternative plan of a new interface. Research on users' demands/features In order to assess the demands and features of users, a basic survey was conducted and the results were totaled to determine users' basic use patterns and demands. In addition, in order to assess the popularity and preference for a concrete object, the Protocol Analysis was conducted and regularly totaled to obtain the results. Synthesis and analysis of researched data In order to link data from the result of analysis into a basic GUI guideline, the different forms of data were arranged. Research and assessment of products Basic research of an example product was divided into 6 groups according to the kind of product, such as Carmani, Entrac VIP, Entrac Standard, Entrac Safety, DreamNet, and NateDrive, and in order to discover the feature and problems of GUI for Entrac VIP products among them, the assessment from the viewpoint of observers was made based on the GUI assessment checklist with the assessment of simulation and functional analysis. Building proper GUI guideline of telematics A proper guideline was built by linking the elements of the basic GUI guideline and users' demands and features, research results, and synthesizing. 3. Research on Telematics GUI Design Example 3.1 Basic survey In order to determine users' demands on telematics GUI, general feature, recognitive feature, and use pattern basic survey was conducted. ▪ Gender, age, driving experience, and possession of car (Q1~Q4) ▪ Average driving time, driving course, and experience in using telematics (Q5~Q7) ▪ Research on users' types(Q8(Q8-1~Q8-4)/SD scale of 7 stages) ▪ Research on use pattern(Q9(Q9-1~Q9-5)/SD scale of 7 stages) ▪ Research on preferred function(Q9-5/short answer) ▪ Research on the degree of function importance(Q10/SD scale 4 stages) ▪ Research on the degree of popularity of ICON(Q11/short answer)

Research was conducted for a total of 47 people including 20 people in their 20's, 17 people in their 30's, and 10 people in their 40's. Table 1. The popularity rating of ICON and Percentage of correct answer (%)(Q11) Function

Icon

Rating

1

Percentage of correct answer (%)

Function

60.98

Icon

Rating

Percentage of correct answer (%)

1

75.61

2

48.78

1

75.61

Car problem 2

58.54

3

41.46

Navigation

ERS 4

7.32

2

48.78

1

92.68

1

90.24

2

85.37

2

75.61

1

90.24

3

24.39

2

82.93

1

85.37

2

78.05

1

85.37

1

87.8

2

78.05

Internet

Entertainment

E-Mail

Telephone 1

87.8

2

63.41

1

2.44

Voice input

Traffic information

Calling

On the phone 2

0

1

60.98

2

41.46

Traffic check

▪ Group A: Low popularity with actual expression and image (abstraction) metaphor ▪ Group B: Diagrammatic, but with high possibility of confusion with the application of image metaphor * Exception: Learning by promise ▪ Group D → Group C: The need to raise popularity with tables suitable for driving environment ▪ Group N: Exception group, younger generation shows partially high popularity. Picture 1. ICON positioning :Popularity/Symbol, Shape Metaphor-Image Metaphor/Schematic- Description

3.2 Research/Analysis on Protocol For more detailed analysis and research on preference and popularity, and consumers' features on the most basic object element in the car telematics system GUI, protocol analysis was carried out. With the protocol analysis, it is possible to grant tasks on specified environmental aspects such as human engineering, space, time, and frequency (number of times) to customers and obtain various data such as what the user says, behavioral reaction, facial expression reaction, and the number of times of achievement. In order to obtain balanced data and make possible features of variety and a certain degree of reliability, 10 subjects for experimentation of a certain age and limited background were obtained. (Note: It was found to be possible to obtain almost 80% reliability, with a sharp increase of reliability from 6-8 subjects for experimentation through several researches on qualitative assessment experiments.) Feature of this research In creating subsequent assignments from this research, there are several features that would greatly influence these assignments. ▪ Products for assessment are a relatively new sort domestically, making it impossible to expect awareness from the side of consumers. ▪ An explanation as proper preliminary knowledge to help consumers' understanding as future products are popularized and generalized, is needed. ▪ With the poor environment of development and use of objects for assessment, difficulty and limitation exists in the selection of function and assessment elements and determining the structure. Table 2. Criteria for Protocol Analysis Embossed Dimensional Type (Dark Accent Color) Depressed Dimensional Type

Preference

Selected Point Type Item Embossed Dimensional Type (Bright Accent Color)

Popularity Interview (such as cause, etc.)

Edge Type Bold Text Type Embossed Dimensional Type (Dark/Bright Accent Color)

Active Plane Type (Bright Color/ Bold Edge) Window Plane Type(Bright/ Dark Accent Color) Basic Type(Text)

Button Applied Type(Text) Icon Type(Text+Icon)

1 Button Rotation Type Joystick 1 Button Rotation Type Joystick 1 Button Rotation Type Joystick 1 Button Rotation Type Direct Button Type 1 Button Rotation Type Dial Button 1 Button Rotation Type Direct Button Type

Preference Interview (such as cause, etc.)

Preference Popularity (Effect of Feedback from Selection) Interview (such as cause, etc.)

Dotum type Gulim type

Font

Preference (Admitted) Popularity Interview (such as cause, etc.)

Ulnungdo type Headline type Youpsheo type

M S1

M S2

M S3

M S4

M S5

M S6

M S7

SI1

SI3

SI2

AW 1

AW 3

AW 2

SI4

BT1

SI5

SI6

BT3

BT2

3.3 Sample Simulation of Evaluation For the sample evaluation from the selection of 6 products--Nate Drive, entrac Safty, entrac Standard, entrac VIP, Carmani, Dreamnet--the entrac VIP model was chosen for the test. The method of evaluation is based on the observer's account and was evaluated upon a checklist of basic GUI criteria for evaluation. The checklist for measuring GUI design by section and technique are as follows:

Table 3. GUI Checklist for Evaluation Evaluation Point Interface Metaphor

Items

Checklist Connectivity, Abstraction, Simplicity, Aesthetic, Context, Visuality, Consistency

Basic Operation

Consistency, Compactness, Context, Reliability, Grouping

Main Screen Layout

Grouping, Economic, Context, Consistency, Aesthetic, Clarity

Menu Design - Main Menu/Pop-up Menu

Grouping, Context, Consistency, Reliability, Economic

Button Design

Consistency, Aesthetic, Economic, Usability, Context Grouping, Font, Font, Arrangement and Word Spacing

Font

Line Height, Line Length, Aesthetic, Compactness, Clarity

Icon Amount of Data Data Grouping

Economic, Context, Consistency, Aesthetic, Compactness Economic, Context, Compactness Minimized Data Grouping, Economic, Consistency, Aesthetic, Grouping, Economic, Consistency, Aesthetic

Technique

Data Location and Order

Order of Use Arrangement of Customary Use Order of Importance

Graphic Information

Grouping, Economic, Context, Consistency, Aesthetic, Compactness

Use of Color

Grouping, Economic, Context, Consistency, Aesthetic

Table 4. Sample Simulation of Evaluation: Interface Metaphor Interface Metaphor Data management was not adequate

Connectivity (Data) for the structure Simplicity Context Consistency Aesthetic Abstraction Visuality

-1

Not overly complex operation

0

Much unnecessary data was found

0

Sound consistency

0

Sound aesthetic design

0

Variable application

2

Visual expression of weight, size, and form

1

Functional Analysis We were able to find the cause for errors and difficulty by analyzing the functional structures and process flow of Company 'S'. The structure was made in object-oriented form and were analyzed and searched for problems in the overall part of the structure. The problems found are arranged in the table below: 1> Over-expanded and Deep-leveled As for the Telematics, the distance between the user and the terminal limits the flexibility of communication, and due to its large functional structure, it may cause the user to be lost while navigating its way within the system with difficulties in operation time and level. In this case, many tend to panic and feel unsafe with the operation. The operation will not help in training for this panic state. 2> Unable to predict sub-functions When the structure is large, it usually depends on terms to describe its functions. But when the terms are not clear or tend to use unpredictable words to describe sub-functions, it may cause incorrect operation. 3> Flow, Operation, and Feedback Consistency Generally, when we consider a simple work flow in a user's mind, it is something like [Search for Object][Select the Object]. But the product has been designed differently from the user's mind. 4. Telematics GUI Design Proposal 4.1 Telematics GUI Design Guideline The usability of the telematics system is considered to define: ① the amount and quality of information and contents, and; ② a GUI interface between the user and the system for 'easy operation'. A design process with good GUI should provide ① quantified and measured data from simulation and ergonomics tests, and; ② convenience and attractiveness. Here is a proposal on an integrated guideline for telematics GUI design and detailed guidance.

Table 5. Integrated Guideline for Telematix GUI Design Item

Description Be specific on requirements

Guideline for GUI Design

Analyze user Analyze environment

Human preference of

Effective gathering of data Reduce mental, physical stress

data.

Effective gathering of data

Understand its

Smooth Interaction

characteristic

Study and development of mental model

Understand user's

Effective operation Reduce mental, physical stress

operating habit

Accept data, adequate design or decision Normal obtainment of data, designed and built to be aware of failure to decide or operate Reduce mental, physical stress Ergonomics Requirements

Improve pleasantness of work Reduce problems Attractive design to affect user's emotions Give user motivation to work and encouragement

4.2 Telematics GUI Design Concept The concept and directions for the driving environment of the telematics system in GUI design, user's requirements, characteristic by age group, inspection and evaluation and product are as follows:

GUI Design for 20's The concept of the GUI design for 20's age group was defined as 'GUI for fun and variety', and designed the telematics GUI as a kind of information device. In accomplishing this goal, the design was processed with various functions added in a convenient manner, and was made to suit the digital image of the younger generation, different use of colors, and dimensional animation effects.

Table 6. GUI Design for 20's age group: Screen Layout/Main Menu and Operation Screen Layout

-Apply metaphor in the dashboard -Luxurious but simple and stable layout -Derive time and space flow of data from top left to bottom right

Main Menu and Operation

-Top, bottom, left, right selection type -Image metaphor of car speed meter -Improve preference and operation by memorizing location -Limit subjects in the screen within 7±2 -Convenient

operation

level→Stable operation

through

indication

sub-menu

by

Table 7. GUI Design for 20's age group: Active Window/Input Device

Active Window

- Distinguish from background screen using different contrast of color (apply in text and areas) - Darken the contrast of background when using pop-up menu

Input Device - Main input: Direct commentary function/Jog dial device - 1:1 input: PUSH Button

GUI Design for 40's age group The concept of the GUI design for 40's age group was defined as 'GUI for simplicity and stability', and designed the telematics GUI as a simple device to be something like a part of the dashboard of a car. The design was processed to suit the mind of people in their 40's for stable use of functions applying the form of devices used in the dashboard and metaphor. Table 8. GUI Design for 40's age group: Screen Layout/Main Menu and Operation Screen Layout

-Apply digital image of information device and metaphor -Simple and variable layout -Derive time and space flow of data from top left to bottom right

Main Menu and Operation -Centered selection type and operation (direct comment) -Apply metaphor for operation of information device -Indicate selected menu as icon and characters in the main display window -Limit subjects in the screen within 7±2

Table 9. GUI Design for 40's age group: Color & Texture/Selected Button

Color & Texture

-Do not over-use the 3 basic colors (Wood color, Blue, Red) -Apply grained wood effect to suit the interior and provide luxurious image

Selected Button Stand-by

Selected

Mode Selection Button -Mode Selection Button: Apply color contrast and accented text effect -Basic Button: Accented effect of text and symbol Basic Button

5. Conclusion The results from the user survey showed that the preference and popularity varied depending on the type of user. Currently the development and popularization of telematics is in its initial steps, and a GUI design for all ages has not yet been developed. In the survey, the consumers were divided into three age groups, 20's, 30's, and 40's, but the results showed that the 30's shared many similarities with the 20's group, and thus, the GUI Design Guideline was proposed on the basis of two age groups - 20's and 40's. This sample research and proposal showed GUI design by age group, but with further accumulation of data through increased use of the system, GUI designing will be classified by age, operation habit, purpose, and many others.

References 1. GUI design guide book , KAIBUNDO, 1995 2. By Kaiho Hiroyuki and 2 others, NINCHITEKI INTERFACE, 1991 3. Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute of Korea. Telematics Technology & Market Analysis, 2001 4. http://www.entrac.co.kr/main/, 2002