Usability of an opportunistic interface concept for ad hoc ride-sharing

Abstract

Interacting with ride-sharing systems for ad hoc travel is a complex spatio-temporal task. The dynamics of service supply and demand challenge the rigidity of traditional human–computer interfaces, introducing service uncertainty and creating a knowledge gap which hinders a client's travel planning. Such interface constraints may mean that a client user is unable to find any ride matching their intentions. To overcome this, a novel visual interface concept, launch pads, has been suggested to replace the traditional interface within a two-step negotiation. To close the proposed approach's feedback loop, this paper investigates human understanding and use of the launch pad metaphor. Usability ..