In this paper, the authors explore the concepts of information pull (users actively "pulling" information) and information push (the system "pushing" information to users). The authors evaluate the concept of information push and the ramifications on the predictability of a system.
The paper presents an evaluation of GUIDE, a city tour guide that provides location-based information to tourists based on contextual factors. Having conducted previous studies on a pull-based tour guide, the authors explore transforming the system into a push-based application, which the authors feel is more closely aligned with how tourists want information delivered to them.
During a two-week field trial, the study evaluated the use of GUIDE with 20 visitors/participants. During the unstructured study, participants toured the city while one evaluator accompanied them to capture comments, frustrations and experiences. A second evaluator used an wireless laptop with 802.11 capabilities to "push" information to the handheld GUIDE system (as the infrastructure for a fully functioning prototype was not available).
Based on the informal study, participants generally like the idea of information being pushed to them based on their location. Many comments were made that the system was easy to use as it required little involvement and interaction on behalf of the user to provide information. Visitors also suggested adding features like navigation-based directions. Visitors were also enthusiastic about both the audio and visual displays. However, some users were concerned that the tour guide system would make them seem like tourists in situations where the visitor wanted to blend in.
The authors conclude that a combination of push and pull system would be worth exploring.
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