Evaluating the human-machine interface to vehicle navigation systems as anexample of ubiquitous computing

In-vehicle navigation systems are an example of ubiquitous computing, where the computing facility is embedded in an everyday object (car) for an ever yday task (driving). The maturing navigation systems market of the last 10 years has prompted academic and commercial research into the human-machine interface (HMI) for these systems. A significant body of research now exist s in this specialized area and a contribution has been made towards guideli nes for interface design. This paper presents an overview of evaluation met hods used to date (in terms of context of use, techniques, measures and eva luators) and the pros and cons of the different approaches. It ends with a discussion of how the resulting knowledge can assist in the evaluation of o ther ubiquitous technologies. (C) 2001 Academic Press.