Comparing voice-only navigation and paper maps in middle-aged and older adults: A randomized crossover field study of wayfinding, mood, usability, and text-mined user experiences.

ABSTRACT: Independent mobility is essential for autonomy in later life, yet age-related cognitive changes make map-reading increasingly demanding. One potential alternative is voice-only navigation, which reduces reliance on visual search and map-to-world transformations. We conducted a randomized within-subject crossover study to compare voice-only navigation with a paper map in adults aged 50-69. Forty participants each walked two 800-m urban routes, once using a paper map and once guided by Apple Maps voice instructions. We measured goal completion, completion time, mood (pleasure, relaxation, vigor) and fatigue before and after each walk, and usability (System Usability Scale; SUS). Goal completion and completion time did not differ between conditions. However, participants reported feeling more

SUBMITTER: Nagata C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789583 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature