A Mirror-in-the-Sky Navigation Aid: Summary of Qualitative Feedback from Soldier and Civilian Users

Abstract

We tested the efficacy of a novel augmented reality navigation aid, called SkyMap, which presents survey navigation information in the sky, above the user. Soldier and civilian users completed a route following task using Mirror-in-the-Sky (a virtual reality prototype of the SkyMap concept), a north-up map, and a track-up map. In this paper, we analyzed and presented a summary of qualitative user feedback and compare feedback from soldier and civilian users. Specifically we used affinity diagrams to categorize verbal qualitative feedback, which led us to identify six themes: 1) an interest in MitS as an innovative navigation display, 2) challenges with identifying turns and orienting, 3) learning MitS over time, 4) the position of MitS in the field of view, 5) customizability and flexibility and 6) ) use in the context of a military operation. We discuss these themes and highlight areas for design improvements.