This is a nascent prototype for a haptic feedback navigation system designed for cyclists. A rider indicates a destination as simply as possible with the interface - potentially a smartphone app. The handlebar interface signals with a vibration ahead of a turn and the confirms its correctness after the turn has been made.

For our next prototype we plan to incorporate serial communication via a smartphone app as well as an offline True North-indicating mode.

Our goal is to pinpoint the frustrations cyclists may have with current navigation systems and create a seamless, intuitive experience so that the rider can be free to pay attention, explore, think - before the journey even begins - minimizing user input requirements while maximizing directive-type and confirmation-type feedback information.

Questions for next prototype:

Are the prototypes' switches placement, functioning and purpose intuitive?
Does vibrational haptic feedback make sense for a cyclist's experience?
How does it feel for the user? Is there another location or mode of nonvisual, nonauditiory
Would a rider miss visual confirmation during the journey or is there relief being freed from checking a screen?
Do the handles design feel appropriate for the task?
Is having as few tap-through screens as possible during the destination-input phase seen as a positive?

First collaborative physical handlebar interface prototypes (Sam Sadtler + Catherine Rehwinkel.) Here are our handlebar prototyping notes.