Hall of Fame, or Shame?Olivia Buzek

The Maps Homepage

Mapper’s Mission: Getting Directions

• A large portion users are interested in getting from one location to another.

• They want to: enter a start point enter an end point hit “GO!” see directions

• These users vary in their computer experience.

• Our test case: the user wants to get from their house to the beach.

Does Google Maps help them, or hinder them?

Our user approaches…

experienced user: “Searching the map seems about right.”inexperienced user: “Where

do I put the address?”

Location 1: Searched!

took extra click to get this

that’s what we’re looking for!

Getting directions

Getting directions

Getting directions

Good Points• Map navigation is similar to other services• Lots of advanced features available to those who might want them, hidden

from view normally• Interface is consistent and has reduced clutter• Allows multiple destinations on a route

Bad Points• The most common actions are not labeled. A user must know they want to

“Search” a map.• Mappings for where to enter address are off from previous search leader,MapQuest• Switching destination and starting point not immediately obvious• Labels of “A” and “B” rather than “Start” and “End”• Would not expect a destination first approach. May be personal

preference.