Tobias Stockinger

Gameful design in the automotive domain: review, outlook and challenges

In this paper, we review the use of gameful design in the automotive domain. Outside of vehicles the automotive industry is mainly using gameful design for marketing and brand forming. For in-vehicle applications and for applications directly connected to real vehicles, the main usage scenarios of gameful design are navigation, eco-driving and driving safety. The objective of this review is to answer the following questions: (1) What elements of gameful design are currently used in the automotive industry? (2) What other automotive applications could be realized or enhanced by applying gameful design? (3) What are the challenges and limitations of gameful design in this domain especially for in-vehicle applications? The review concludes that the use of gameful design for in-vehicle applications seems to be promising. However, gamified applications related to the serious task of driving require thought-out rules and extensive testing in order to achieve the desired goal.

Experimental evaluation of user interfaces for visual indoor navigation

Mobile location recognition by capturing images of the environment (visual localization) is a promising technique for indoor navigation in arbitrary surroundings. However, it has barely been investigated so far how the user interface (UI) can cope with the challenges of the vision-based localization technique, such as varying quality of the query images. We implemented a novel UI for visual localization, consisting of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) views that actively communicate and ensure localization accuracy. If necessary, the system encourages the user to point the smartphone at distinctive regions to improve localization quality. We evaluated the UI in a experimental navigation task with a prototype, informed by initial evaluation results using design mockups. We found that VR can contribute to efficient and effective indoor navigation even at unreliable location and orientation accuracy. We discuss identified challenges and share lessons learned as recommendations for future work.

SmartPiggy: a piggy bank that talks to your smartphone

Saving money is usually a tedious task that requires a high degree of self-control for many of us. Some people have one or more specific savings targets in mind and thus need to prioritize them. We propose connecting a savings box with a personal smartphone. Thus, people become motivated to keep track of their savings for multiple targets. Using a savings box capable of counting money and connecting it to an app, we believe people stick to their plans to save with higher motivation and are happier with their behavior. In this paper, we present first evidence for the success of this concept. We gathered feedback through an online user study in which participants were shown a video prototype. We propose further research directions with our SmartPiggy, to confirm the feasibility of behavioral economics in HCI.

Gamification-supported Exploration and Practicing for Automotive User Interfaces and Vehicle Functions

When driving an unknown car, the interaction with its user interfaces and the operation of (comfort) vehicle functions can be very challenging and thus cause safety concerns. However, this problem can be overcome already with a short learning and practicing phase. For this reason, we analyze the potential of gamification for exploring and practicing the use of automotive user interfaces and vehicle functions. Based on the analysis of available examples, we have created a gamified automotive exploration and practicing framework. The framework allows exploring vehicle functions and user interfaces in real vehicles as well as in applications for mobile devices. By reflecting on the results of a first user study with the framework, we deliver a set of guidelines for designing and evaluating gamified applications for the automotive domain, which can serve as a support for future developments.

Visual authentication: a secure single step authentication for user authorization

User authentication on publicly exposed terminals with established mechanisms, such as typing the credentials on a virtual keyboard, can be insecure e.g. due to shoulder surfing or due to a hacked terminal. In addition, username and password entry can be time-consuming and thus improvable with relation to usability. As security and comfort are often competing with each other, novel authentication and authorization methods especially for public terminals are desirable. In this paper, we present an approach on a distributed authentication and authorization system, where the user can be easily identified and enabled to use a service with his smartphone. The smartphone (as personal and private device the user is always in control of) can provide a highly secure authentication token that is renewed and exchanged in the background without the users participation. The claimed improvements were supported by a user survey with an implementation of a digital room management system as an example for a public display. The proposed authentication procedure would increase security and yet enable fast authentication within publicly exposed terminals.

Navigating Indoors Using Decision Points

We present a novel user interface concept for indoor navigation which uses directional arrows and panorama images of decision points, such as turns, along the route. The interface supports the mental model of landmark-based navigation, can be used on- and offline, and is highly tolerant to localization inaccuracy.

Towards Leveraging Behavioral Economics in Mobile Application Design

People do not always think and behave rationally. Behavioral economics has produced theories to explain when and why people make such allegedly irrational decisions, for example if it comes to spending money. However, humans tend to use reference points to judge and decide. Nowadays, mobile devices can work as flexible tools to create reference points thus supporting decisions without being explicit about it. We discuss if and how mobile apps can influence decision making. As a consequence, apps can be built to better fit into the decision making progress. We argue that applying concepts from behavioral economics can increase user experience in a subtle manner.

The vehicle as pervasive display — Potentials and limitations

Sharing information between traffic participants can improve traffic flow and safety. Currently, communication is mainly done via vehicle lighting such as brake lamps or turn signals. For enhanced information exchange, we propose using the exterior of vehicles as pervasive displays to present information that may be relevant to other traffic participants. The compilation of potential applications and limitations shall provide an introduction to further discussion in the community.

Gamified training for vehicular user interfaces — Effects on drivers' behavior

In densely populated areas, we currently see a paradigm shift in personal mobility. For the younger generation, car usership is gradually replacing the need of car ownership. However, for example, when relying on car sharing solutions, users often spontaneously drive cars they are not used to. Results are increased stress and a higher risk of accidents. For that reason, we present a mobile application-based training solution for vehicular user interfaces. The evaluation of the training application has shown that a short training cannot counteract the negative influence of operating comfort car functions while driving. The use of game design elements in the application increased the training motivation, but also lowered the information reception.