Haptic handlebar -

Navigate your way through haptic vibration

Project description

The haptic handlebar is a proof of concept to explore the idea of navigating by following haptic vibrations. The concept is simple; if the right side of the handlebar vibrates, the user should turn to right. If the left side of the handlebar vibrates, the user should turn to left.

Tools/Using

Arduino

3D printer

Soldering

Basic electronics

Role

Interaction designer

UX researcher

Developer

Team

Solo project under the supervision of Markus Stridsberg and Kristofer Vahlström. Filming and video production were carried out by Pontus Edman. Work done at Propeller Design AB.

By installing vibro motors on the handlebar, the user receives passive indications, without distractions, since they already have their hands on the system.

With the aim of building a working prototype, different motors have been tested. Mainly ERM and LRA motors were chosen and embedded to the handlebar in order to compare their strengths, shapes and sizes.

The final prototype was tested on real users. A Wizard of Oz technique was implemented to mock the navigation system. 

The system was composed by a receiver and a sender, being the receiver the user testing the system and getting the vibration feedback, and the sender the user riding behind and sending the turning instructions.

After carrying out an usability testing on different subjects, some conclusions were withdrawn from the results. Vibrations from the road, wearing gloves, or being in a situation where more than one turning points are very close to each other, were some of the drawbacks that the participants pointed out about the system.

Important insights from user testing

• The proposed system would be helpful to orientate oneself more than to navigate to a final location.
• It is an advance to the screen-based solutions in that the user does not need to drag the attention off the road.
• Backing up the system with a suttle lighting feedback could improve the usability.