Frames of Reference: Designing Cognitive Interventions to Improve Wayfinding for Cyclists

Background: A benefit of academic conference is the ability for delegates to explore new locations in between conference sessions. During DCC’24 in Montreal, Canada, some delegates may explore the city’s historic landmarks and cultural sites. However, navigating vibrant streets and French colonial neighborhoods as visitors poses challenges, especially for those who decide to explore by bicycle. Current navigation systems, designed for continuous use, are impractical for cyclists because they pose safety hazards and slow down journeys which negatively impacts experiences. This study tested a human-cantered navigational approach aligned with working memory to improve wayfinding while cycling. It tested how providing directions using alternative frames of reference to current navigational systems, combined with environmental cues, influences cognitive memory. This study is related to design computing and cognition because it measured the effectiveness of redesigning and implementing a navigational system that considers human cognitive processes to enhance user experiences.