Development of intuitive tactile navigational patterns

Developing vibrotactile patterns for mobile navigation is challenging since they have to be able to map effectively navigational behaviour learned through visuo-audio-motor interaction with the environment to specific vibrotactile patterns. Here, we present a method for developing intuitive navigation patterns representing basic directions, landmarks and actions. A group of users familiar with the device delivering the vibrotactile signals are asked to create navigational patterns. Then the patterns are edited and presented to another group of users who are also familiar with the device. They were asked to identify the patterns with/out information about their meaning. It was found that simple directions were easier to identify than landmarks or actions. The identification of landmarks or actions improved when information about their meaning was available. We discuss implications for the design and development of vibrotactile navigational patterns.