User requirements for navigation assistance in public transit for elderly people

In the last decades the demographic change in Europe has become apparent. In Germany already 20% of the population are older than 65. This age group is particularly affected by the increasing complexity of modern public transit systems. In this paper we present the results of a user requirements elicitation of a navigation assistant for elderly people in public transit. This system shall have a targeted user experience and takes into account the personal profile of the different users, e.g. modeling mobility deficiencies that require walking aids and prevents paths that would be impassable. We have performed an exhaustive user evaluation in expert interviews and focus groups to identify suitable interface choices and in the process were able to exclude some systems that were considered obvious in initial assessments.