Finding the Way Home - Supporting Wayfinding for Older Users with Memory Problems

Being able to orient in the vicinity of the home and independently go shopping or visiting a friend can become increasingly difficult when a person suffers from memory decline. The adaption of traditional navigation apps based on satellite positioning could provide an aid, but there are several questions to investigate related to the design and function of such an app. These questions include how to assist pedestrian wayfinding on an appropriate level, how to communicate the position precision and how to receive information and interact while walking. The paper reports on a study where two prototypes supporting different navigation strategies were tested in a realistic outdoor task. The results show that both prototypes led test users to the intended goal positions, and that users have different preferences how they want to be helped in wayfinding tasks, both in how detailed instructions should be and what feedback modalities they prefer.