Traffic/Navigation Report for Sun Skunkworks

 

 

 

June 7, 2000

 

Stanford University IE 205 project


Julie Daley

Caesar Sengupta

Preeti Swani

Marissa Treinen

 

 

 

 


Contents:

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Analysis of Methods

 

Research Results

 

Design Principles

 

Conceptual Suggestions

 

Conclusion

 

Appendix

 

Transcripts

 

Class Presentation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Our Goal:

The primary objective of this project was to understand the driver needs for traffic and related information like navigation. We were asked to find out:

 

Our goal was not to design the physical system but to answer the above questions and to offer preliminary suggestions for the design of such a system.

 

Our Motivation

We completed this project as part of our class at Stanford called, Contextual and Organizational Issues in Human Computer Interaction. The students of this class typically partner with an industrial partner and help their client solve or analyze a real life problem. The main objective of this class is to give the students an experience of working in a real life environment. Our client at Sun, Dave Curbow, treated us like external consultants and asked us to work on trying to understand user needs with respect to traffic and related information.

 

The Team

Our team was made up of four students.

Julie is working on an independently designed major that includes classes from the Computer Science, Digital Art, Communications and Psychology departments. She has a number of years of industry experience.

Marissa is an undergraduate student of Computer Science. She received the Terman Award for academic excellence and will be continuing at Stanford for a Masters degree.

Preeti is a graduate student of Computer Science. She too has substantial work experience. Preeti is graduating with a Masters Degree in Computer Science this quarter.

A graduate student of computer science, Caesar is working as a research assistant in the Interactive Workspaces Project at Stanford.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Analysis of Methods

Analysis of Methods

 

For our research, we had many methods to choose from. First we will briefly discuss some of the methods decided not to use and our reasons for not employing them. Then, we will outline the methods we did choose and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

 

Surveys:

We did not choose to conduct surveys for this project. Since the project was in its initial stages, rich, conceptual and qualitative data was needed. In fact, the open-ended ness of the project dictated that surveys should not be used, as questions cannot be formed until there is a strong basis for the correct types of questions to ask.

 

Diaries:

Although specific information on peoples driving patterns would be useful, we felt that diaries would not be able to provide us with the data we required due to the general problems with diaries. Firstly, we were dealing with time-constrained subjects who did not necessarily have the time to fill out a diary entry twice a day. Thus, diaries would be incomplete. Moreover, writing in a diary while driving is a safety risk and would be unacceptable. However, if subjects were to write in the diary even immediately upon reaching their destination, events from a 75-minute commute may be recorded inaccurately or not remembered at all. Thus, we did not feel that diaries would provide us with the enough information to base suggestions on.

 

Methods we chose to use:

 

Interviews:

Interviews were our best source of rich data. We conducted three types of interviews: face-to-face, telephone, and ride-along. General, open-ended questions resulted in a variety of qualitative information that could later be categorized and analyzed. Our interviews focused on what drivers currently did and what they envisioned as making their drives better.

Face-to-Face

We conducted four face-to-face interviews. These interviews, though difficult to schedule, were a valuable source for information. While the participants were taken out of the context of driving, this did result in deeper thought and elaboration by our subjects. In addition, they were able to explore the whole range of their driving habits and experiences, not being constrained to one instance. There was also little stress and distraction unlike the ride along method. Finally, we were able to gain an understanding of what was and was not important to the subject, we could judge their interest and adjust accordingly, and we could read into what they were saying because of their body language and facial expressions.

Telephone

We only conducted one telephone interview because we realized that this was not as productive as other methods. While easier to schedule than other methods, and while it still provided some qualitative data, it also did not provide the best information. Because of the lack of co-presence, we could not control the subjects level of interest or attention. In fact, we could hear the subject typing on her computer as we talked with her, indicating that her attention was divided. In addition, we could not pick up visual cues that often gave valuable insight into subjects comments, as we were not present with the subject.

Ride-Along

We conducted ride along interviews so that our subjects could be placed in the context of driving and encountering traffic. This triggered some interesting conversation threads and memories that otherwise would not have been raised. We were able to read more information from body language, gestures, and eye and hand placement than in face-to-face interviews. We could tell, for instance, when one woman gripped her steering wheel tightly in anxiety, the types of road conditions that made her nervous and when another woman repeatedly motioned toward the dash/radio area when discussing new devices, that she would prefer those devices to be located in that part of the car. Ride-alongs also provided us with actual events that we could then discuss with the subject. This provided for immediate and accurate thought process explanations, as well as the ability to ask, In this particular situation, what do you do? For example, one ride along subject switched freeways at the last minute and we were able to ask why she had done this so suddenly. In another ride along, we were able to ask about traffic situations in a particular location and the options the driver felt she had. Ride-alongs did have disadvantages as well. They were very time consuming, from the actual travel time to transcription. Moreover, the ride-alongs were very stressful for the driver especially in heavy traffic. On more than one occasion, we were told by our interviewees to hold on for a minute because they were trying to concentrate. Because of this divided attention, answers were usually short and to the point with little elaboration. In total we conducted three ride-along interviews.

 

Focus Group:

Our last method of data collection was a 90-minute focus group with 8 participants at the Sun Usability Lab. We used the focus group less for asking about specific behaviors, and more for brainstorming about presented scenarios. Through the brainstorming, current behavior became apparent, but the group was also able to expand their thoughts to what might be best and possible in the future. Our participants were able to build off of each other, relating their stories to others. We were also able to get a lot of useful information in a relatively short time from many subjects. However, like all methods, the focus group had some disadvantages. Firstly, some group think was evident. In addition, we seemed to have lost some subjects to what looked like the fear of speaking up in a group environment, especially when the group consisted of employees from the same organization, but at different levels of the corporate hierarchy. Lastly, subject often got so enthusiastic and entrenched in their ideas that it was difficult to record all their thoughts and deter them from speaking so quickly without them losing their thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Research Results

 

 

I. How Do People Determine Their Route on a Given Day?

 

Routine travel was a concept that was brought up many times during our interviews and focus group. These discussions gave us clues as to what people do with the current technology, and provided insights as to what can be improved or built upon. We found that in this category there was some variation on peoples routines. However, given the overall discussions and tone of the interviews, it is possible that others felt the same as those listed even though they did not specifically mention these topics.

 

a.      Taking the optimal route based on experience:

Drivers, especially those that have been constant in their daily routine for some time, expressed that they learn the area and the problems in the area so well that they can judge which route to take at a given time on a given day. Those who have flex time seem to have the most choice as to the route they take because they can factor in the time of day as well as the route. Drivers expressed ideas such as certain freeways always being backed up at a certain time of day, or routes being shorter in terms of time to reach your destination even if longer in distance during certain hours.

 

People who expressed this concept: Xiaofeng, Prue, Sam, June, Focus Group

 

Interviewer: Why did you decide to do that?

Xiaofeng: Because it looks like there is a big delay.

Interviewer: Your experience tells you with the speed traffic is moving and the cars up ahead that this is the better way?

Xiaofeng: Yes.

Interviewer: So you know your two routes well enough to decide that quickly which on is better than the other?

Xiaofeng: Yes.

 

b.      Using the same routes most of the time:

Drivers who are generally constant in their time of travel and type of travel expressed that they take the same basic routes most of the time. Often this is because they have determined through experience that this is usually the best route to go, but in other cases it is because of lack of other routes or lack of knowledge about other routes. Some of these drivers felt that despite most normal traffic problems, they still remain on this same route, or at the most will avoid the problem in such a way as to soon return to the regular route (e.g. side streets or getting off the freeway for breakfast and then returning).

 

People who expressed this concept: Erin, June, Focus Group

 

Erin: I usually take the same route 99% of the time. The only exception is when I see that 101 is backed up until Middlefield. Then I take other routes to get onto the 101 some other way.

 

c.       Using side streets to avoid problems on freeways:

Some drivers remain on freeways despite traffic problems, or try different routes that also involve freeways. However, other drivers will often get off the freeway and travel via side streets until they have passed the traffic and get back on the freeway or they reach their final destination. These people also usually expressed that they know the areas well enough to find their way on side streets.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie, Erin, and June

 

Katie: When I did my old commute, I was really panicky and didnt know the side routes. Then after a couple of months I was talking with some people at work and we sat down with maps and traced out all the side routes and places you could get off depending on where you were on the highway.

 

d.      Changing schedules or routes based on hearing traffic reports:

Drivers that listened to traffic reports seem to do so because they are willing to change their entire route or schedule based on what they hear. Although they expect some traffic, they would prefer to avoid problems before encountering them as they are often time pressured or frustrated with the length of commutes.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Erin, Osvaldo, and Katie

 

Interviewer: What kind of traffic information helps you the most?

Osvaldo: Oh, information like, accidents, heavy traffic. This helps me switch places and make changes to my schedule. This happens many times. I get to know of something and then change my entire schedule.

 

e.      Carpooling:

We did speak with some drivers who carpooled to work in the focus group. However, all our interviews were with drivers who did not carpool despite the recognition that this would reduce their traffic concerns and commute time. These drivers expressed that carpooling is too hard to arrange due to different work schedules, and day-to-day changes in these schedules.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie, Xiaofeng

 

Xiaofeng: I used to carpool with my husband when we worked in the same direction, but now he is in Campbell and we have no way to carpool. Schedules make it difficult to carpool with others.

 

f.        Maintaining a log of daily trips:

One driver in the focus group had taken it upon himself to determine the best route and time to commute to work. He had been keeping a log of his daily trips that he planned to compile at the end of the year. He is interested in the sheer time of travel but also specific causes of this time such as weather conditions, time of day, etc. Another interviewee (Sam) was also interested in details of travel, wishing he could scientifically and experimentally determine information about routes and traffic patterns.

 

 

II. How Do People Plan Trips to Unfamiliar Places?

 

As discussed above, many drivers stick with a routine that has developed out of experience. However, another dimension to examine is traveling to unfamiliar places. By looking at drivers patterns for planning and executing trips to unfamiliar areas, we gained an understanding of the concerns of drivers in these situations as well as which effective methods have evolved through experience to help these drivers best.

 

a.      Use maps extensively for planning travel:

Drivers who are traveling salespeople are required to drive to and through unfamiliar areas on a daily basis. These drivers plan their day and schedule before leaving, often using maps to determine the travel plan for the day. Our traveling salesperson used maps because they made it easy to visualize the distances between places and the order they should be traveled to.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Osvaldo

 

Interviewer: What do you do to plan your day and how does your planning affect your driving patterns?

Osvaldo: One has to make the best of what one can get. I try to plan ahead using maps. It also depends on where I am going and who I am visiting.

 

b.      Write down specific directions and keeping them conveniently located:

While drivers expressed that maps can be great if you get lost or you need to visualize the area, drivers also use written directions when trying to find a particular place. Drivers come up with their own system for writing directions so that they are concise yet exact and easy to follow. Moreover, drivers make sure that they are accessible while driving by placing them in a shirt pocket or taping them to the dash.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie, Gerri, Xiaofeng, Sam, Osvaldo, Focus Group

 

Osvaldo: I use index cards. I keep these cards in my pocket and jot down the information on what exits I need to take, what stop signs I would come to, etc. I find these cards help me much more than anything else. I can drive and take this card out and look at it a little. I always write R on ____ or L on ____ Cards work better than maps. I have developed a brief and concise alphabet that works perfectly.

 

c.       Keep maps readily available in car:

Although drivers expressed the need for explicit instructions, many still keep a set of maps in the car for reference. These maps are used to gain an understanding of the entire area, or to determine the correct action when the driver misses a turn or doesnt understand the directions. They are also safety devices objects that are always available just in case they are needed.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Xiaofeng, Erin, Osvaldo

 

Erin: I keep a map with me all the time and would try to plan my routes by how easy it is and second by how scenic the route is.

 

d.      Use Yahoo or MapQuest:

Drivers noted that they used the World Wide Web for their travel planning. The two engines mentioned were Yahoo and MapQuest, which were used both for the map function and for driving directions. Some drivers used this to double check directions given to them, while others used it as their first means of gaining directions. Most expressed that they used such tools before they left for their trip, although one interviewee stated that she could use MapQuest on her Palm Pilot to receive directions anywhere.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Xiaofeng, Sam, Katie, June

 

Xiaofeng: We are AAA members so I always get a map first. Then I go to Yahoo or another site to get detailed instructionsA map is always good to have with you in case you get totally lost, but Yahoo has more detailed directions. If there are several places we are going then I know exactly how to get to all of these places.

 

e.      Rarely use a map:

One interviewee shared with us her dislike of maps all together. She did not feel that they gave her useful information for the traveling she usually did which was fairly local. She has lived in this area for a long time, and knows it and the surrounding areas well enough for a map to be a waste of time for her. However, if she is planning a long trip, she will use a map to determine how to get to a place, and then will write down specific directions from that.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie

 

Katie: I dont usually use a map unless its a real long drive. Ill just try to remember or Ill just use written direction and have a cell phone and the number at my destination. If its a long trip Ill plan it first, map it out because it makes sense. But if its short, Ive lived in this area so long that I know the area pretty well and can figure it out.

 

 

 

III. How Do People Determine the Days Traffic Situation?

 

Even though some drivers will not change their route or schedule because of traffic, all drivers we interviewed stated that they wanted to know what the traffic situation was on their route. Drivers obtain such information either before they leave for the trip or while they are driving. By far the most used means of obtaining traffic information was through the radio, although most drivers expressed their frustration with this medium. In the words of one interviewee, Sam, [The radio is] just a 20th century solution instead of a 21st century solution. Drivers are frustrated by the timing, generality, and confusing nature of the reports.

 

(i)                 Before they leave:

a.      Sometimes watch TV:

Drivers generally do not use the TV often to obtain traffic information because of time constraints or the feeling that the information will not be relevant. However, a few interviewees mentioned that they sometimes use the television if time permits to gain traffic information or to help plan the days travel.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie, Osvaldo

 

Interviewer: So, how do you get your traffic information now?

Katie: I dont, although sometimes if I do a morning workout I do the machine in front of the news. So I can see what they say about traffic.

 

b.      Never check before leaving:

Other drivers report that they never check traffic before leaving. They are often too busy, but also feel it would be a waste of time. Some drivers travel long distances, and by the time they reached a location the news had reported on, the situation would be different anyway. Others feel that the time to check before leaving would be better spent actually driving since the news is not going to change the fact that you are leaving.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Gerri, Xiaofeng, Sam, June

 

Interviewer: do you ever listen to radio or TV reports before you leave?

Sam: No. I dont ever really stop to do thatI dont have the time. But, wait a minute. It doesnt seem cost effective. You would waste more time waiting for the thing to come on, but once youre on the road turning on the traffic makes sense.

 

c.       Listen to traffic before a long trip:

For some drivers, their before leaving behavior depends on the time of trip. For short trips, it did not seem as necessary or worth the time and effort. However, for longer trips, this before hand knowledge could be more useful.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Prue, Xiaofeng

 

Interviewer: Before you leave in the morning do you ever listen to traffic information on the radio or TV?

Prue: I usually dont listen to traffic unless I am going to the airport or something. Then Ill turn the radio on since I have a choice of either taking 101 or 280. When we are taking longer trips for example when my brother visited, we went to Yosemite, and then I listened to station 810.

 

d.      Listen to traffic report at home:

Finally, one interviewee did say that she often listened to traffic before she left because she has the radio on while she gets ready in the morning. However, she did note that this information did not always affect her schedule or route decisions, and she indicated that the information given cannot always be trusted.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Erin

 

Interviewer: Do you listen to traffic information before you start?

Erin: I used to. I used to listen to NPR. I would do it because I would be interested in where I am going. But that wouldnt necessarily change my route. Sometimes I would or I would go a little bit later. Because sometimes it is wrong. I used to have a radio, but now I have taken it to Seattle I used to wake up to the news and keep it on while I got ready. I listened to [traffic] that way.

 

(ii)              While driving:

a.      Hear traffic as a by product of a music station:

Drivers who do not specifically want traffic information via the radio often receive it anyway through their music stations. These drivers will perk up and pay attention when their route is mentioned, but are not proactive in their search for traffic information. Usually this is because they find the information useless as it is not always current, does not come on when needed, involves routes that are not relevant to the driver, and refers to areas and lanes in a confusing manner (i.e. Lane 1 or The Maze). Usually these drivers feel lucky if relevant traffic information is given at the right time, but generally they do not expect this to happen or do not necessarily notice that they listen to traffic while they drive.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Katie, Erin, Focus Group

 

Katie: I listen to the radio, and I dont even realize it, but the traffic reports do come on[I listen to] a music station. I guess I havent really thought that much about it.

 

b.      Listen to traffic on news stations:

Drivers who do listen to the radio specifically for traffic information usually listen to news radio stations as they give traffic every eight or ten minutes during rush hour. However, some drivers who listen to news stations do not listen for traffic information in particular and luck out once in a while with useful information like those that listen to music. Those that listen to these stations have the same complaints about the report, but realize that it is the only source of any information at this time.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Gerri, Xiaofeng, Prue, Sam, Focus Group

 

Interviewer: And 810 gives the traffic?

Prue: Yes, and I know exactly when it comes on, which is about every 10 minutes or so: 8:08, 8:18, etc. Ill usually listen to this station 810 or to 740, either one or the other to get a sense for which route to take. So I really list thatThe others also have traffic reports, but I havent figured out when exactly they come on. Also, you dont always get it for your area.

 

Interviewer: and the way you decide which route to take is based on information you hear on the radio?

Sam: Well, no. I said that happened once. Because what am I going to do? Stop at a traffic light for 15 minutes waiting for the next traffic report? No.

 

c.       Dont mind listening to irrelevant reports until wanted route is announced:

One interviewee expressed that she didnt mind sifting through the extraneous information the radio traffic reports give as long as they eventually mention her route. However, she seemed to have a hard time imagining anything else, as she was accustomed to this behavior. It is valuable, though, that she is content with the present situation.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Xiaofeng

 

Xiaofeng: The easiest way is if there is a radio station that I can turn on. I dont mind waiting for a while because they have to cover a large area. I could just listen to say 2-3 minutes and find the information I wanted. That would enough.

 

d.      Dont listen to the radio to get information on side streets:

Many of our drivers mentioned that they often encounter traffic while driving around town on side streets. The causes for these traffic jams are the same as on freeways: accidents, stalls, hazards, and construction. However, all expressed that they never bother to listen to the radio to obtain this information because the radio does not give traffic information on side streets. However, they stated that such information would be valuable because there are always alternate routes to take, and if there is really a back up, a five-minute trip could potentially turn into an unacceptable 30-minute ride.

 

People who expressed this behavior: Prue, Katie, Osvaldo, Sam, June

 

Sam: I tend to listen to the radio just in case [on freeways]. But not when Im driving to Stanford because they dont report at that detail. You know they dont tell you if Embarcaderos backed up or Middlefields backed up or El Camino is backed up. In fact, theres been a lot of construction around Middlefield and also Embarcadero stuff you never hear about. Theres all kinds of times I would use something like this.

 

 

IV. What they do when they encounter traffic

 

Our drivers had a variety of things they do to deal with the stress, uncertainty, lack of information, and confusion when they encounter traffic.

 

a. Find a way to get out of the traffic:

Our subjects spoke of specific things they do when they encounter traffic, either in a familiar or unfamiliar area. Some of these are proactively attempting to get out of traffic, while others are simply ways of coping with the inevitability of sitting in traffic.

 

People who expressed this thought: Katie, Prue, Gerri, June

 

Prue if I were in a huge rush, I would definitely be thinking of alternate routes, side streets, whether to take the next exit, that sort of thing.

 

 

b. Choose to do nothing since not worth the effort of taking/finding a detour:

 

Some of the people we questioned though they might choose to do nothing since it is not worth the effort of taking or finding a detour without sufficient knowledge of alternative routes.

 

People who do this: Sam, Focus Group

 

Interviewer: Is it the not knowing (how to get around the traffic) that makes it not worth the effort?

 

Sam: Well, probablyYou know, its just not worth the bother.

 

c. May try to find alternate routes by exploring an area:

 

Some of the focus group participants were a little more adventurous and explained that they might try to find alternate routes by exploring an area.

 

d. Stuck in traffic in an unknown area:

 

If our subjects are stuck in traffic in an unknown area, some will get off the freeway and stop and ask for directions.

 

People who expressed this: Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Oswaldo makes his own detours in areas he knows, while in areas he does not know he gets off the road to ask for directions.

 

e. Listen to music station to stay entertained

 

Some of our interviewees simply give in to the traffic and want to be entertained while waiting. One way they pass the time is by listening to music stations.

 

People who do this: Katie, Focus Group

 

Katie: I listen to the radio because it distracts me. I figure if Im going to sit in traffic at some point I might as well enjoy myself.

 

f. Might aggressively decide to circumvent traffic depending on their mood that day

 

One of our subjects mentioned she might aggressively decide to circumvent the traffic depending on her mood that day. Others alluded to the same idea that some days are just better than others for sitting in traffic.

 

Xiaofeng It also dependslike if I am in a good moodeven if traffic is really bad, it is okay with meit doesnt have much of an impactbut sometimes if I am in a bad mood, I think I wish I could just go home now.

 

 

 

V. What kind of Information do People want to Receive?

 

Based on the information gathered from the interviews, focus group and ride-alongs, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the types of information people seem to be most interested in receiving. The data has been subdivided into 3 broad categories: (i) Information related to Traffic (ii) Information related to Navigation and (iii) Other Information. We found that there was a significant overlap in terms of what people were most interested in knowing while they were driving and have indicated those subjects who specified an interest in being able to have access to each of those items.

 

 

(i) Traffic-Related Information:

 

a. Location of the Problem:

Drivers found it frustrating to be stuck in traffic with no idea as to the specific location of the problem as this prevented them from being able to make more efficient routing decisions. Exact location of the problem was desired so they could make their own routing decisions or opt to receive more information on alternate routes.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Katie, Gerri, June, Focus Group

 

b. What to Expect in terms of Traffic Conditions:

Drivers felt that they could avoid many traffic related delays if they could get a sense of what they could expect once they were on the road. Strangely enough, this did not encourage any of them to actually watch for traffic on the television prior to leaving their homes.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Xiaofeng, Prue, Focus Group

 

Xiaofeng: You mainly want to know what to expect depending on the situation Sometimes if I have a meeting or something though, then I just say I really have to get off the road, because I have to get thereso the information I would like is to get a sense of what is going on and how long I will have to wait.

 

Prue: Right, so at least you know what to expect, whether its an accident, a major accident, road construction, whatever the case may be.

 

c. Route-Specific Information:

While some drivers did not seem to mind listening to traffic information not related to their specific route (e.g. the radio lists traffic for the entire area and drivers must listen to traffic information irrelevant to the route they are taking before they hear information on their specific route), many preferred to only receive information custom set for their particular route. Drivers also wanted to have the ability to program into the system the route they were planning on taking at any given time.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Erin, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Erin: I definitely love to be able to very simply log on or program my route or what you could do is just say your destination and then have it say, here is the route you have to take and here is the latest information on that route and even as it changes, is could let you know.

 

d. Statistics on Current Traffic Conditions:

Divers were very interested in getting very specific statistics on the current traffic conditions. This included information such as the average rate at which the moving, the density of traffic etc. This seemed to be most important to very long distance commuters in the focus group, to whom this type of information could save them a lot of time by allowing them to choose alternate routes along the way. Drivers were also interested in more specific information such as how long it would take to get to a particular location given the traffic conditions and statistics on certain pre-specified routes etc.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Sam, Focus Group

 

Sam: And actually when I drive home, I have two really different routes I can take. Id love to have a device where I can keep statistics on different routes. Today Im taking Route 1, so I hit start, drive there and hit stop and it throws the information into a database. Today Im taking Route 2 and so on. At the end of the month/year I can look at the distribution of times, the mean.

e. Real-Time Updated Traffic Information:

Drivers made routing decisions as soon as they came to know of changes in the current traffic conditions. Receiving updated traffic information helped them make better and more realistic decisions as to how they could the route they were on. Many complained that the information coming on the radio was not sufficiently real time. Also new traffic problems such as accidents do not get reported until someone arrives at the scene of the accident and actually reports it. Many drivers found themselves already stuck in the traffic backup from an accident before it was every reported on the radio.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Sam, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Oswaldo: This helps me switch places and make changes to my schedule. This happens many times. I get to know of something an then change my entire schedule.

 

f. Information on Hazards that may be on the Road:

Information such as whether large articles were lying in the middle of a particular lane was considered to be important for safety reasons. Examples of this are large pieces of wood or other debris, articles that have fallen out of peoples cars or trucks etc.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Xiaofeng

 

 

 

g. Information on Side Streets:

Since the radio does not provide much information on the state of side streets, some drivers felt this type of information would be helpful especially in areas they were less familiar with. Details such as detours, construction work, traffic congestion, blocked roads, dead ends etc. would help drivers navigate side streets more easily.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Oswaldo: Radio does not help much on side streets. I would like information on accidents, construction work and detours

 

 

(ii) Navigation-Related Information:

 

a. How to Circumnavigate Problem Areas:

Most drivers felt it was less frustrating to be moving rather than to be stuck in very slow moving traffic. Many felt that information on how to get around problem areas would be very helpful. Information on possible exits that could be taken, side street alternatives, other highways etc. would help them to make alternate routing decisions.

People who expressed this as a concern: Katie, Gerri, June, Focus Group

 

Katie: But the other thing I do sometimes is get off at Moffett and take Middlefield to Shoreline. It might be a little faster, I dont know, but I avoid the nasty merge and keep moving.

 

Gerri: Well, there was no obvious way to circumvent the traffic. It would have been so helpful to know how to get around the accident.

 

b. Specific Navigational Directions:

Drivers felt that when they did receive navigational information, they would prefer to receive it one direction at a time. For example, if you had to exit off the highway, maneuver around some side roads and get back on the highway, drivers preferred to have detailed directions explained to them one at a time, such as take exit #2, take a left at the ramp towards Cider Road, go straight for 2 traffic lights and make a right back onto the on ramp for 101N. Contextual information was also preferred (i.e. people wanted to receive information on the name of the exit prior to the one they were supposed to take as well as the name of the exit after the exit they were supposed to take so they could figure out how far they were or whether they had missed the exit altogether). Drivers also wanted to have control over when the successive directions were delivered to them i.e. they did not want to receive them all at the same time since it is difficult to remember a number of directions all at once. People were also concerned with knowing how to navigate their way back onto the highway once they had taken side streets to avoid or get around a problem area.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Gerri, Prue, June, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Prue: I think very specific directions: take this exit east, take a right on this road, take a left on this road etc. would be the most helpful.

 

Oswaldo: Some (directions) you can have before you leave other bits of information you would want when you are on the road. Line directions: turn right, turn left..

 

c. Distance Estimates:

Drivers were interested in getting an estimate of how long it would take to get to a particular destination based on the navigational route suggested by the system as well as based on the route they generally took. This was especially important for long distance trips to new locations. People were also interested in getting information on how far they were from a particular destination once they had actually started driving.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Gerri, Prue

 

d. Alternate Routes:

Drivers expressed an interest in receiving or asking for alternate routes to the destinations they were trying to reach. This was dependent on the traffic conditions to the location they were going to but also on how familiar or unfamiliar they were with a particular area. This was thought to be a very helpful feature especially for planning long trips to new locations.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Katie, June, Prue, Erin, Oswaldo, and Focus Groups

 

e. Attributes of the Alternate Routes:

The members of the focus group, who on average commuted about 150 miles roundtrip each day, felt that more detailed information of the alternate routes suggested would be very helpful to them. This included information such as the location of gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores, etc. Since their daily commutes are so long, if they were to take an alternate route, it was very important to them to know of the facilities available to them especially if they unfortunately were to be struck in traffic on these alternate routes. They also wanted to know how much time they would save if they were to take the suggested alternate route compared to the route they were originally taking. Other drivers felt that cautionary information such as roads or signs that were hard to spot etc. would also be helpful when taking new alternate routes that the drivers were less familiar with.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Erin, Focus Group

 

Erin: You know what would be really useful to have, itll be something like cautions, say like you want to get to Page Mill. So many people miss Page Mill because they dont know that you have to get off at Oregon and you know it would be nice to have this information in some kind of satiric. Napa is very confusing too.

 

f. Statistics on Alternate Routes:

Drivers were interested in receiving information on the average number of accidents and safety levels of a particular road or highway that was suggested as an alternate route. They felt this information would help them make better and safer routing decisions for themselves.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Focus Group

 

g. Information on Unfamiliar Side Streets:

Drivers were very concerned with taking side streets that they were not familiar with for a number of reasons. While safety (especially in areas you are completely unfamiliar with) was by far the greatest concern with choosing to follow an alternate suggested route, other concerns included how well-lit the area was, whether there would be children playing in the streets and what the general road conditions were like. Drivers were generally less interested in receiving side street information on areas they were familiar with. A GPS system was also mentioned as being something that would make drivers more comfortable driving on side streets they were unfamiliar with.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Xiaofeng, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Xiaofeng: Especially (side street information would be helpful) if the area is not a place I knew very wellI think something like the GPS would be helpful.

 

h. Decision to Choose which Route to Take:

Subjects differed in whether they wanted the system to make the routing decision for them or whether they wanted to have the freedom to make the decision themselves. The majority did seem to prefer having all the possible alternatives described to them and then wanted to use the information to make the decision themselves. A few people preferred that the system evaluate the various options and present the most optimal one only to them.

 

Prefer to make the routing decision themselves: Prue, Focus Group

 

Prefer the system to make the routing decision: Erin, June

 

Prue: I would want to make the decision myself.

 

Erin: just say your destination and then have it say, here is the route you have to take and here is the latest information on that route.

 

i. Best Lane to Use on the Highway:

Drivers, especially long distance commuters wanted to know which highway lane was the most optimal one to be in. They felt that there are always certain lanes that seem much slower than others for no apparent reason and wanted to receive information on the relative speeds of the various lanes on their route.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Focus Group

 

 

 

 

(iii) Other:

 

a. Weather:

Weather conditions were expressed as being an important consideration that related both to traffic as well as navigation. In terms of traffic, the long distance commuters felt that it allowed them to judge possible traffic backups more effectively. In terms of navigation, weather conditions were cited as being important while taking long road trips.

 

People who expressed this as a concern: Xiaofeng, Prue, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Xiaofeng: We need information to make us comfortable to handle that kind of weather. We werent driving four wheel drive, so something that would specifically say with a small sedan if you were carrying snow chains you will be OK

 

 

b. Whether there is Enough Gas to Get to Destination:

The long distance commuters in the focus group felt that this fact would be helpful for them to be able to ascertain.

 

 

VI. When they would like to receive it

Our subjects had a variety of responses to the question of when and how they might want to receive information about their traffic situation.

 

a. Call on cell phone to ask for the desired information

 

Some wanted to call on their cell phone to ask for the desired information.

 

People who expressed this: Katie, Gerri

 

Interviewer: Then, to receive this information, how would you envision it coming to you?

Gerri: Well on my cell phone. That is the best way.

 

b. Would like to specifically ask for the information

 

Some mentioned they would like to specifically ask for the information, as opposed to having it pushed on them.

 

People who expressed this: Gerri, Xiaofeng, Prue, Sam, Focus Group

 

Gerri: I would definitely not want to be alerted. A request would be much better.

 

 

c. Hear one instruction at the appropriate time after requesting it

 

One of our subjects wanted to hear just one instruction at the appropriate time after requesting it.

 

Interviewer: How would you find yourself interacting with the voice? How would you envision the interaction?

 

Xiaofeng: "Of course you have to hear one instruction before you have to make it. That is one thing. Another thing, when I wonder where I am and if I have already passed the place I want to turn, it would help me if it would tell me what the street is before the one I need to turn on, and the one after it.

 

d.Want the information early so that they can avoid crowded routes

 

Some mentioned they would want the information early so that they can avoid crowded routes, although many others may actually desire this without having mentioned it.

 

Prue, Focus Group

 

Prue: Id like to get it (the information) early. For example, the San Mateo Bridge is terrible if you get stuck on it; its like a parking lot.

 

 

 

 

VII. What format do would they like the Information to be in?

 

In most of our interviews we consciously tried not to directly ask the interviewees how they wanted the traffic or navigational information delivered to them since our objective was to find out what kind of traffic or navigational information commuters would want. However during the course of our interviews and our focus group we found that the format in which the information would be delivered affected the content immensely, hence we went through our transcriptions, read in between the lines and compiled the following information.

 

By and large, the most popular format for information delivery to the car was voice. Maps and GPS based devices were mentioned very often in our interviews too. Other interesting platforms for content delivery that were brought up were, the Cell Phone and the wireless Palm PC type devices.

 

(i) Format

 

a. Voice-activated

Almost all the people we spoke to went beyond just wanting to hear spoken directions. They were all envisioning a complete voice-based interface that would communicate with them using advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech systems.

 

People who expressed this: Gerri, Erin, Prue, Katie and everyone in the Focus Group.

 
(On being asked how she would like to control this system)

 

Katie: Using my voice. If Im in my car, its got to be voice activated. Just some speaker or something. With a hot word that would get me to it.

 

b. GPS

Most of our interviewees were aware of GPS and wanted some kind of GPS receiver in their cars. The primary reason for wanting GPS receivers was to be able to get to know their exact position. They felt more in control if they knew where they were relative to some familiar landmark.

 

People who mentioned this: Katie, Xiaofeng, Sam, Oswaldo, Focus Group

 

Xiaofeng: I think something like the GPS would be helpful. If I have an area map that tells me where I am and I can find where I want to go and it shows me the routine, I think that would be really nice.

 

c. Maps

All users mentioned maps in some form or the other but what was interesting was that most of them had very specific ideas about what should be on the maps.

 

1. Map format with text directions (maybe a split screen)

 

Mentioned by: Xiaofeng, Oswaldo

 

Xiaofeng: Because the map really helps with an overall idea of where you are and the overall surrounding area.

 

2. Very simplified maps easy to read with landmarks

 

Mentioned by: Erin, Sam

Erin: And maps have to be very simplified. I think a lot of people are not good at reading maps so its got to be very logical and intuitive and simple and maybe have a map that also say has some written text that says Right at 230 or left here. It might be nice to have landmarks.

 

3. Zoom-able maps in four quadrants

 

Mentioned by: Prue

 

Prue: I would like to have a map that was made up of maybe 4 quadrants, each with different levels of detail and then maybe the ability to drill down to further detail in any one of them.

 

4. Color-coded traffic and navigational information on the maps

 

Mentioned by: Sam, Focus Group

 

Sam: I want a map. I want to point at a piece of the road and it tells me the traffic conditions. But I dont even really want that. I just want to look at a map and see, you know, red green or blue. What I would envision is a color-coding scheme. Red is under 5 mph, yellow is under 10 mph.

 

5. Blinking arrow pointing at the problem area

 

Mentioned by: Prue

 

Prue: Well, as I said before, I think something visual would be very helpful. For example while I am on a long trip if there could be a blinking arrow pointing at problem areas. In areas that you are not familiar with like Foster City, that would be extremely helpful.

 

(ii) Delivery Medium

 

a. Cell Phone

Some of our interviewers wanted to receive traffic and navigational information via their cell phones their reasoning being that they did not want to carry any additional gadgets either on themselves or in their cars.

 

People who mentioned this: Katie, Gerri

 

Katie: But it would probably make my life easier if I could use an application that I designed for traffic. Call on my cell phone and say Voyager, whats the traffic on 85?

 

 

b. Palm Pilot

One of our tech savvy interviewees, June, mentioned that she would like the information to be sent to her using a wireless Internet Infrastructure like Palm Net.

 

c. Web Cams in the car

Some individuals in the focus group wanted Web Cam images to be transmitted live to their cars and homes so that they could get up to the minute information about traffic. This they felt would also empower them to make their own decision and not rely on third party reports.

 

d. Single device that encompasses a number of devices

The focus group as a whole were very interested in the integration of all mediums into one device that would enable users to get all kinds of traffic and navigational information. An example they mentioned was Portico.

 

(iii) Placement of Content Delivery Device

 
a. Screen in the middle of the dash

Some of the people we interviewed visualized a screen in the middle of the dashboard with either a map or text based information on it.

 

People who mentioned this: Xiaofeng, Prue

 

Prue: I think it should be located in the middle of the dashboard so that both the driver and if I had a passenger next to me, he or she could see it as well.

 

b. Device in middle of steering wheel

 

Erin said that she would like the device to be placed in the middle of the steering wheel.

 

Erin: Actually the steering wheel will be a great place for some kind of device like that, with buttons on the wheel to control it.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Design Principles

 

Design Principles:

 

We sifted through the individual transcripts and focus group ideas, and developed seven design principles that encompass all of the information we gathered. We felt these seven were the most important issues indicated by our subjects.

 

1. Multi-modal Interactions:

Across the board, our subjects wanted to have their traffic and navigation information in a variety of both audio and visual formats. The visual information should include concise, written directions, as well as map formats. Participants mentioned color-coded maps indicating routes, current relative traffic congestion, traffic speed, and even accidents. Map possibilities might include zoom-able quadrants and split-screen display.

 

Audio information could include one-at-a-time directions as well as overview information. Audio information might also be echoed on the visual display for a less evanescent back-up.

 

 

2. Personal Parameter System Set-Up:

 

There were a variety of design dimensions that came up during our interviews: push vs. pull, delivery form, information types, information format, number of options, navigation direction format. Any system should allow the user to select personalized parameter settings, as our subjects felt very strongly about how their envisioned system would look and act. Most of these parameters would be set once at inception and rarely, if at all, changed.

 

 

3. Parameter Driven Real-time Changes:

 

Some system settings our drivers mentioned were more modal in nature, appropriate for real time changes. For example, in normal commute mode information might be dispensed by voice in more of a narrative format, possibly giving traffic, accident, or route information. However, if the driver needed the directions real-time, the driver might then choose to enter a conversational mode. The voice interface would then give one direction at a time, with a pause in between waiting for the driver to carry out the instruction and then ask for the next. Instructions this way would be easy and safe to follow.

 

 

4. Custom-casted Information:

 

This principle is built around the basis for a system such as this. The idea of custom-casting is to give the driver just the right information at the right time, without overloading them with extraneous facts. Many subjects mentioned their frustration with radio stations traffic reports that focus on the big story of the day without mentioning smaller situations in other locations. Drivers want to get information just for their route that is timely and proactive. Custom-casting information would provide them with information on the routes they drive, exits they take, and any possible alternatives routes they might need, all presented concisely and in a timely manner.

 

 

5. Safe to use while Driving:

 

One of the most important responses we received from all of our subjects was the issue of safety: how to drive a car while at the same time digesting traffic and navigational information. This will present a challenge. Most commuters drive alone in their cars without anyone else to read a map, or assimilate traffic information. The idea of voice interaction is definitely superior to visual information, at least while the car is in motion. One idea we have entertained is to limit the speed at which a visual map system might activate.

 

 

6. Contextual yet Concise Instructions:

 

All traffic and navigational information must be concise enough that the driver will be able to digest it without being distracted from driving, while contextual enough to orient them to what they need to know and where they need to go. For example, drivers asked for information regarding not just the exit they need, but the exit before so they have enough time to make any necessary maneuvers.

 

 

7. Easy to Interact with:

 

This system must be easy to interact with. All of our subjects again expressed the safety concern they had regarding a system to be used in the car. If you add to this the heightened stress level most, if not all, drivers might be at when this type of information is necessary, and you have a user that needs to be able to operate the system effortlessly and safely.

 

 

 

 

 


Conceptual Suggestions

 

 

Conceptual Suggestions:

 

Based on the Design Principles we proposed earlier, we have the following preliminary design suggestions for the Sun Skunkworks development Team.

 

Conceptual Suggestion 1: Voice

 

The system should be voice controlled. Preferably it should be conversational and should definitely be supported by some kind of visuals either using a text-based display or using some kind of a map. It should also be hands free in the sense that users should not have to take away their hands from the wheel in order to use it.


Conceptual Suggestion 2: Real Time

 

The system should be able to provide real-time information. It should also interactive and easy to use. There should also be some facility in the system for real-time configuration changes. This should let the user change parameters like the level of detail of the information at run time.

Conceptual Suggestion 3: Personalized Settings

 

The information provided by the system should also be personalized. It should be location sensitive and should be customized according to the users profile. Possible customizable features are ability to specify Push vs. Pull, detail of information, form of delivery and rate of delivery of information. The system should also be multi-modal so that people have a choice of the mode of control.

 

Conceptual Suggestion 4: Map Suggestions

 

We included this as a separate category because almost everybody we spoke to except for two exceptions said that they would want some kind of map-based information. The features that most people wanted in their map display devices were, real time update capability, ability to zoom into a particular area, color coding of various details like traffic and road conditions. An interesting suggestion was to have a split screen display with the ability to have different levels of detail on both screens.

 

Conclusion:

 

The goal of this project for Sun was to understand driver needs for traffic and related information, e.g. navigation. By interviewing informants and observing drivers in context, we gathered a great deal of information to meet this goal. Using this information, we generated some design principles that we feel are important in implementing any product that might be designed to meet the above-mentioned needs. Going one step further, we also included some conceptual ideas based on these design principles.

 

For us this project has been extremely educational and rewarding. As students, the opportunity to practice the methods we are concurrently learning is the best way to understand how our education will fit in industry. Being able to hold the focus group in Sun's usability lab was exciting and an education in itself.

 

We would like to thank Sun for being a part of our IE205/CS247B course at Stanford, and for providing all of the resources that we used to complete the project. We would also like to thank Dave Curbow for his help and guidance throughout our project. As both leader and mentor, Dave has helped us conduct and conclude our original research.

 

We hope the information and conclusions we have assembled here will be of help to the Skunkworks team and Sun.

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Daley

Caesar Sengupta

Preeti Swani

Marissa Treinen