Abstract
Computer-based products require designers to make trade-offs between the product's initial and long term ease of use. The trade-off decisions are particularly important in the design of a computer-based automobile navigation system (ANS). An ANS designed for the mass market must serve the needs of both first time users, such as rental car drivers, and those who may purchase cars equipped with the device and use it on a daily basis. In our efforts to design the user interface to an ANS, we sought a means to protect new users from advanced functions that would frustrate the early learning experience. At the same time, we sought a smooth method for everyday users to access advanced functions. In this paper, we briefly explain automobile navigation systems, and then discuss our design solution.
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