Better Location button UX

biodranik commented

2022-09-18 21:38:46 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Current issues/status for Android (iOS situation is a bit better and different):

Some users can't detect their position at all and OM gets one-star reviews and support emails.
Some users can't detect precise GPS position, but only a rough position using Internet/WiFi (AGPS), and OM gets one-star reviews and support emails. Both these issues are often caused by timeout interruption of the GPS search when users are inside buildings or cars, or by screen lock after a timeout that stops position detection.
The "Continue detecting location" dialog is displayed if the position was not found after some timeout.
Many users expect that OM will automatically search for their current position on each app activation like it is done in other popular apps. Now OM either keeps the "location is off" mode or starts searching for the current position for any other mode or if 30 hours have passed after moving OM into the background even in the "off" mode.
Some users disable GPS for various reasons and don't want to see an annoying dialog "Please enable location in settings" on each app activation. Now the dialog is shown only if previously saved mode before the background was not the "off" one.
OM on Android stops any GPS/location activity when it goes into the background and starts/continues location detection only on the app reactivation. We plan to add "smart" background location support when necessary (e.g. when the track is recorded, or when the navigation is active — for voice directions).
An active foreground notification service is planned for proper background track recording and background voice navigation/guidance.

Proposed changes for location button states/images:

OFF state (already partially implemented). Icon: a gray crosshair crossed with a red X. GPS is off, and the current position is unknown. Tap switches the icon/state to (2) if location services and permissions are enabled, or shows an error dialog otherwise. If the state was (1) when OM was closed, then the state is (1) when OM is open again (no warnings if there is no location permission/services). For all other cases, including the first launch, opening OM starts with (2). If the user changes permissions or disables location services while in this mode, there are no warnings/dialogs about it.
Active search for satellites/position. Icon: a moving radar. Automatically switches to (3) when GPS or WiFi/Cellular position is found and centers the map. Tap turns off all location providers (stops location search) and returns to (1). Disabling permission/location services in (2) shows an error dialog only if the app was not recently (<2 minutes ago?) backgrounded (in this case there is some reason for the user to launch OM, background it to disable location, and then return back to OM again). If the position was lost in (3), (4), (5), and then found while in (2), the previous mode (3), (4), or (5) should be restored.
Position is found, and the map is centered on it. Icon: the inclined blue arrow if it's an accurate GPS position, some symbol is drawn on top if it's a networking position (ideally, an error radius in meters?). Using different GPS/Net icons helps users to understand that their location is inaccurate and reduce negative comments in stores. Tap enables map rotation mode (4). Map dragging switches to (5). The lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2) but shows the gray arrow on the map (ideally, a time of how old is the position can be displayed on the gray arrow on the map).
Map rotation mode. Icon: a filled blue arrow facing north, on top of a vertical line. Tap switches to (3). Map dragging switches to (5). Lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2).
Position is found but not centered. Icon: a gray crosshair. Tap switches to (3). Lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2).

On Android, every app activation/launch will start from (2) if previously the position was known or was actively searched, and if the background location service was not active (then it restores previously active (3), (4), or (5) mode).

The screen should not dim/lock in modes (2), (3), and (4), and should dim/auto-lock after a system-defined timeout for all apps in (1) and (5).

@vng @rtsisyk @arnaudvergnet @pastk Please provide feedback, this is one of the most important issues for OM.

Current issues/status for Android (iOS situation is a bit better and different): 1. Some users can't detect their position at all and OM gets one-star reviews and support emails. 2. Some users can't detect precise GPS position, but only a rough position using Internet/WiFi (AGPS), and OM gets one-star reviews and support emails. Both these issues are often caused by timeout interruption of the GPS search when users are inside buildings or cars, or by screen lock after a timeout that stops position detection. 3. The "Continue detecting location" dialog is displayed if the position was not found after some timeout. 4. Many users expect that OM will automatically search for their current position on each app activation like it is done in other popular apps. Now OM either keeps the "location is off" mode or starts searching for the current position for any other mode or if 30 hours have passed after moving OM into the background even in the "off" mode. 5. Some users disable GPS for various reasons and don't want to see an annoying dialog "Please enable location in settings" on each app activation. Now the dialog is shown only if previously saved mode before the background was not the "off" one. 6. OM on Android stops any GPS/location activity when it goes into the background and starts/continues location detection only on the app reactivation. We plan to add "smart" background location support when necessary (e.g. when the track is recorded, or when the navigation is active — for voice directions). 7. An active foreground notification service is planned for proper background track recording and background voice navigation/guidance. Proposed changes for location button states/images: 1. OFF state (**already partially implemented**). Icon: a gray crosshair crossed with a red X. GPS is off, and the current position is unknown. Tap switches the icon/state to (2) if location services and permissions are enabled, or shows an error dialog otherwise. If the state was (1) when OM was closed, then the state is (1) when OM is open again (no warnings if there is no location permission/services). For all other cases, including the first launch, opening OM starts with (2). If the user changes permissions or disables location services while in this mode, there are no warnings/dialogs about it. 2. Active search for satellites/position. Icon: a moving radar. Automatically switches to (3) when GPS or WiFi/Cellular position is found and centers the map. Tap turns off all location providers (stops location search) and returns to (1). Disabling permission/location services in (2) shows an error dialog only if the app was not recently (<2 minutes ago?) backgrounded (in this case there is some reason for the user to launch OM, background it to disable location, and then return back to OM again). If the position was lost in (3), (4), (5), and then found while in (2), the previous mode (3), (4), or (5) should be restored. 3. Position is found, and the map is centered on it. Icon: the inclined blue arrow if it's an accurate GPS position, some symbol is drawn on top if it's a networking position (ideally, an error radius in meters?). Using different GPS/Net icons helps users to understand that their location is inaccurate and reduce negative comments in stores. Tap enables map rotation mode (4). Map dragging switches to (5). The lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2) but shows the gray arrow on the map (ideally, a time of how old is the position can be displayed on the gray arrow on the map). 4. Map rotation mode. Icon: a filled blue arrow facing north, on top of a vertical line. Tap switches to (3). Map dragging switches to (5). Lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2). 5. Position is found but not centered. Icon: a gray crosshair. Tap switches to (3). Lost position (tunnel, building) switches to (2). On Android, every app activation/launch will start from (2) if previously the position was known or was actively searched, and if the background location service was not active (then it restores previously active (3), (4), or (5) mode). The screen should not dim/lock in modes (2), (3), and (4), and should dim/auto-lock after a system-defined timeout for all apps in (1) and (5). @vng @rtsisyk @arnaudvergnet @pastk Please provide feedback, this is one of the most important issues for OM.

👍 2

rtsisyk commented

2022-09-19 07:34:22 +00:00

Owner

I think that (1) OFF state with a red X should be useful. (2), (3), (4) we already have. (5) I didn't the idea.
I also would like to see the number of satellites and current GPS precision somewhere (Android only). I use GPSTest app for this purpose, but Organic Maps can display some basic information to make users more patient.

I think that (1) OFF state with a red X should be useful. (2), (3), (4) we already have. (5) I didn't the idea. I also would like to see the number of satellites and current GPS precision somewhere (Android only). I use GPSTest app for this purpose, but Organic Maps can display some basic information to make users more patient.

👍 2

biodranik commented

2022-09-19 09:38:10 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

We can display satellite count in the rotating radar icon. Or think about a better representation of the GPS quality (percentage?).

arnaudvergnet commented

2022-09-19 10:06:34 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

We could display a networks quality icon under/inside the rotating radar icon. The icon would fill in and turn green as the number of satellites/quality increases, and fill out and turn orange/red as the number and quality decreases. Here are example icons from https://materialdesignicons.com/ (keyword "network"):

Maybe this icon could always be present in states 2 to 5. The tricky part would be to find the right placement so it does not clutter the view.

Not everyone knows how many satellites are needed so a simple icon should be easier to understand. There could still be an option for power-users to display the exact number of satellites if you think it is necessary.

A tip for increasing GPS/compass accuracy could also be shown when the detected accuracy is poor, much like explained in organicmaps/organicmaps#3448.

The proposed changes look good to me. I am one of the people who often use the app without GPS like a regular paper map to save battery, and the warning popup on start is always annoying.

For state 1, maybe the red icon would be too strong and mislead the user into thinking their GPS is broken. I would go for a more subtle question mark inside the GPS crosshair from state 5.

We could display a networks quality icon under/inside the rotating radar icon. The icon would fill in and turn green as the number of satellites/quality increases, and fill out and turn orange/red as the number and quality decreases. Here are example icons from https://materialdesignicons.com/ (keyword "network"): ![Screenshot 2022-09-19 at 11-54-01 Material Design Icons](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/80701113/190992941-238452e1-ac7f-456b-9528-bd3564cc753f.png) Maybe this icon could always be present in states 2 to 5. The tricky part would be to find the right placement so it does not clutter the view. Not everyone knows how many satellites are needed so a simple icon should be easier to understand. There could still be an option for power-users to display the exact number of satellites if you think it is necessary. A tip for increasing GPS/compass accuracy could also be shown when the detected accuracy is poor, much like explained in https://git.omaps.dev/organicmaps/organicmaps/issues/3448. The proposed changes look good to me. I am one of the people who often use the app without GPS like a regular paper map to save battery, and the warning popup on start is always annoying. For state 1, maybe the red icon would be too strong and mislead the user into thinking their GPS is broken. I would go for a more subtle question mark inside the GPS crosshair from state 5.

👍 2

biodranik commented

2022-09-19 14:59:25 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

As far as I remember, at least 3 satellites are required for GPS to work. So we can replace the rotating radar icon with some blinking satellites ) But let's make it a separate issue (the icon for "searching" state) and focus on other highlighted moments for this issue.

Questionmark for state (1) is misleading. It may mean "looking for, but still unknown". There should be a clear association with "OFF, and is NOT SEARCHING for the location".

As far as I remember, at least 3 satellites are required for GPS to work. So we can replace the rotating radar icon with some blinking satellites ) But let's make it a separate issue (the icon for "searching" state) and focus on other highlighted moments for this issue. Questionmark for state (1) is misleading. It may mean "looking for, but still unknown". There should be a clear association with "OFF, and is NOT SEARCHING for the location".

👍 1

biodranik commented

2022-09-24 21:46:32 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Maybe a GPS text inside this icon? The red color can be more grayish to attract less attention probably. Or maybe even just use the gray color.

Maybe a **GPS** text inside this icon? The red color can be more grayish to attract less attention probably. Or maybe even just use the gray color. ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/170263/192119777-79d9d2fe-43a5-4447-8a3d-d52466b0dfac.png)

biodranik commented

2022-10-13 22:10:53 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Let's start by implementing the OFF state icon/button state (no position and it is not searched). Many users do not understand that this button should be pressed to start a location search.
Some good icons: https://fonts.google.com/icons?icon.query=location&icon.platform=android

CC @rtsisyk

Let's start by implementing the OFF state icon/button state (no position and it is not searched). Many users do not understand that this button should be pressed to start a location search. Some good icons: https://fonts.google.com/icons?icon.query=location&icon.platform=android CC @rtsisyk

ThomasAUS commented

2022-11-06 21:51:08 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

To me this button things is way too overcomplicated. If some users are not turning the gps on then they cannot be helped anyway.

To me this is more a visibility issue:

Try to put your phone on the dashboard of your car, then drive around and tell me if you can see this rotating rarar symbol when the sun is shining - not a chance.

If you could change this rotating radar symbol to be on an orange background that it is a clear warning that there is no current position, then the main issue is solved. Once this button is orange or red, then it is clear that the displayed position is not updated anymore - job done, and the blue arrow to be on a green background, then all I wanted to achieve is actually done. The functunality is there, it just cannot be readily seen.

Basically all it needs is more colour - I know this is frowned upon nowadays where everything has to be minimalistic grey on grey with a touch more grey. But this is a navigation system - a brilliant one by the way - but it has to be usable outdoors.

Thanks

To me this button things is way too overcomplicated. If some users are not turning the gps on then they cannot be helped anyway. To me this is more a visibility issue: Try to put your phone on the dashboard of your car, then drive around and tell me if you can see this rotating rarar symbol when the sun is shining - not a chance. If you could change this rotating radar symbol to be on an orange background that it is a clear warning that there is no current position, then the main issue is solved. Once this button is orange or red, then it is clear that the displayed position is not updated anymore - job done, and the blue arrow to be on a green background, then all I wanted to achieve is actually done. The functunality is there, it just cannot be readily seen. Basically all it needs is more colour - I know this is frowned upon nowadays where everything has to be minimalistic grey on grey with a touch more grey. But this is a navigation system - a brilliant one by the way - but it has to be usable outdoors. Thanks

ThomasAUS commented

2022-11-07 08:36:10 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

The basic problem is: if you drive between high buildings or through a tunnel, then the GPS signal gets lost. When the satellites become available again, the GPS has to re-establish the position. but it still shows the last known position as if this was still the current position.
I had a bit more of a think about this today and there might even be an considerably better solution. If you would change from the blue arrow/dot that shows the current position on the map to a bright red one which shows that GPS position is not current. Then the bright red dot could show the last known position. Everybody instinctively looks at the position dot, so that should be the spot where the status is indicated. Or this red circle with the line through it as shown above. It just has to be bright red, that it can clearly be seen.

Thanks

The basic problem is: if you drive between high buildings or through a tunnel, then the GPS signal gets lost. When the satellites become available again, the GPS has to re-establish the position. but it still shows the last known position as if this was still the current position. I had a bit more of a think about this today and there might even be an considerably better solution. If you would change from the blue arrow/dot that shows the current position on the map to a bright red one which shows that GPS position is not current. Then the bright red dot could show the last known position. Everybody instinctively looks at the position dot, so that should be the spot where the status is indicated. Or this red circle with the line through it as shown above. It just has to be bright red, that it can clearly be seen. Thanks

biodranik commented

2022-11-07 09:06:14 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

@ThomasAUS thanks for the details! Indeed, there is an issue when the position is not updated, and it should be clear to the user.
What about the following idea: show an increasing number of seconds since the last GPS update in the location button, using some attractive colors (maybe on top of the rotating radar)? Then users will clearly understand that:

There is no current GPS signal
How old is the location on the screen
Location is actively searched for and will be updated automatically as soon as the user goes out of the tunnel or the building.

Of course, proper implementation of this approach should not display "Continue detecting your location dialog?", or should show it and automatically continue searching for it (consider a driver in the car where touching the screen is complicated).

Alternatively, the current position arrow can be changed, but I think that we don't need to complicate it because we already have the state "No GPS signal, but it is actively searched for satellites and will be acquired soon".

@ThomasAUS thanks for the details! Indeed, there is an issue when the position is not updated, and it should be clear to the user. What about the following idea: show an increasing number of seconds since the last GPS update in the location button, using some attractive colors (maybe on top of the rotating radar)? Then users will clearly understand that: 1. There is no current GPS signal 2. How old is the location on the screen 3. Location is actively searched for and will be updated automatically as soon as the user goes out of the tunnel or the building. Of course, proper implementation of this approach should not display "Continue detecting your location dialog?", or should show it and automatically continue searching for it (consider a driver in the car where touching the screen is complicated). Alternatively, the current position arrow can be changed, but I think that we don't need to complicate it because we already have the state "No GPS signal, but it is actively searched for satellites and will be acquired soon".

ThomasAUS commented

2022-11-07 11:02:08 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Hello Alexander,

It is absolutely important not to have to confirm a loss of signal -
that is just useless and dangerous.

I would really only do the position arrow colour change and leave the
radar symbol alone for the following reasons:

A time since the last update is useless as it will be potentially long
and some small numbers counting will be hard to see anyway. The radar
symbol is about 8mm diameter on my 7" screen. A number over this will be
tiny and virtually invisible.

The position arrow (and I mean the one in the centre of the screen and
not the arrow that replaces the radar symbol) is the thing that people
naturally look at, so why not just a colour change to red and all is clear.

In Australia we have this thing called "KISS" (keep it simple stupid).
Why turn a mouse into an elephant?

I would seriously hope that you only do the colour change and leave
everything else just as is. Or in other words "ingenious is what is
simple and works".

Regarding the signal strenth: Organic Maps already shows the area of uncertainty once you zoom in far enough. This can be seen on the attached file with the moving target. The shaded area around the arrow is the uncertainty, so that is all good (just referiung to an earlier comment from arnaudvergnet

Example screenshots:

Thanks

Thomas

Am 07.11.2022 um 19:06 schrieb Alexander Borsuk:

@ThomasAUS https://github.com/ThomasAUS thanks for the details!
Indeed, there is an issue when the position is not updated, and it
should be clear to the user.
What about the following idea: show an increasing number of seconds
since the last GPS update in the location button, using some
attractive colors (maybe on top of the rotating radar)? Then users
will clearly understand that:

There is no current GPS signal

How old is the location on the screen

Location is actively searched for and will be updated
automatically as soon as the user goes out of the tunnel or the
building.

Of course, proper implementation of this approach should not display
"Continue detecting your location dialog?", or should show it and
automatically continue searching for it (consider a driver in the car
where touching the screen is complicated).

Alternatively, the current position arrow can be changed, but I think
that we don't need to complicate it because we already have the state
"No GPS signal, but it is actively searched for satellites and will be
acquired soon".

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Hello Alexander, It is absolutely important not to have to confirm a loss of signal - that is just useless and dangerous. I would really only do the position arrow colour change and leave the radar symbol alone for the following reasons: A time since the last update is useless as it will be potentially long and some small numbers counting will be hard to see anyway. The radar symbol is about 8mm diameter on my 7" screen. A number over this will be tiny and virtually invisible. The position arrow (and I mean the one in the centre of the screen and not the arrow that replaces the radar symbol) is the thing that people naturally look at, so why not just a colour change to red and all is clear. In Australia we have this thing called "KISS" (keep it simple stupid). Why turn a mouse into an elephant? I would seriously hope that you _only do the colour change_ and leave everything else just as is. Or in other words "ingenious is what is simple and works". Regarding the signal strenth: Organic Maps already shows the area of uncertainty once you zoom in far enough. This can be seen on the attached file with the moving target. The shaded area around the arrow is the uncertainty, so that is all good (just referiung to an earlier comment from arnaudvergnet Example screenshots: ![Last known Position - no current GPS Reception (proposal for Organic Maps)](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/117603163/200546732-ab318e12-4a37-4736-91f0-4ac86d3dacae.png) ![Moving with GPS Reception](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/117603163/200546743-68446f27-670d-4468-a3b4-c91aa4d0fece.png) ![Stationary with GPS Reception (as currently implemented in Organic Maps)](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/117603163/200546747-a59cf496-b2ed-422c-9fc8-2d3682f1720d.png) Thanks Thomas Am 07.11.2022 um 19:06 schrieb Alexander Borsuk: > > @ThomasAUS <https://github.com/ThomasAUS> thanks for the details! > Indeed, there is an issue when the position is not updated, and it > should be clear to the user. > What about the following idea: show an increasing number of seconds > since the last GPS update in the location button, using some > attractive colors (maybe on top of the rotating radar)? Then users > will clearly understand that: > > 1. There is no current GPS signal > 2. How old is the location on the screen > 3. Location is actively searched for and will be updated > automatically as soon as the user goes out of the tunnel or the > building. > > Of course, proper implementation of this approach should not display > "Continue detecting your location dialog?", or should show it and > automatically continue searching for it (consider a driver in the car > where touching the screen is complicated). > > Alternatively, the current position arrow can be changed, but I think > that we don't need to complicate it because we already have the state > "No GPS signal, but it is actively searched for satellites and will be > acquired soon". > > — > Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub > <https://git.omaps.dev/organicmaps/organicmaps/issues/3450#issuecomment-1305298258>, > or unsubscribe > <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A4BHWW2MRIA2IWKUGBTTHYTWHDBBFANCNFSM6AAAAAAQPTSKVI>. > You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: > ***@***.***> >

rtsisyk commented

2023-01-07 10:16:27 +00:00

Owner

The OFF state has been implemented. Probably we should move to a separate thread to discuss other issues.

biodranik commented

2023-01-07 14:29:52 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

I have updated the issue. Let's focus on the final goal for it.

rtsisyk commented

2023-01-07 15:08:24 +00:00

Owner

I have updated the issue. Let's focus on the final goal for it.

And what is the final goal? Could you please add clear definition of done to this ticket?

> I have updated the issue. Let's focus on the final goal for it. And what is the final goal? Could you please add clear definition of done to this ticket?

biodranik commented

2023-01-07 17:06:57 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new issues for the related subtasks.

It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What should a user do to get it?

The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new issues for the related subtasks. It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What should a user do to get it?

ThomasAUS commented

2023-01-07 20:18:37 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Hello,

Please make sure to make it "visually" clear what the status is. Grey on
grey is not visible with the sun shining onto a display. Red is visible.

Thanks

Thomas

Am 08.01.2023 um 03:07 schrieb Alexander Borsuk:

The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket
description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new
issues for the related subtasks.

It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location
at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What
should a user do to get it?

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Hello, Please make sure to make it "visually" clear what the status is. Grey on grey is not visible with the sun shining onto a display. Red is visible. Thanks Thomas Am 08.01.2023 um 03:07 schrieb Alexander Borsuk: > > The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket > description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new > issues for the related subtasks. > > It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location > at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What > should a user do to get it? > > — > Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub > <https://git.omaps.dev/organicmaps/organicmaps/issues/3450#issuecomment-1374541420>, > or unsubscribe > <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A4BHWW63BFB7P4VZDY6OFCTWRGPDXANCNFSM6AAAAAAQPTSKVI>. > You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: > ***@***.***> >

rtsisyk commented

2023-01-08 15:33:49 +00:00

Owner

The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new issues for the related subtasks.

It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What should a user do to get it?

OK, I don't mind. Just for recording: OFF button state has been re-implemented properly in the latest (December 2022) release. Please feel to report any issues related to this new feature.

> The goal is better UX and it is (partially) described in the ticket description. Let's leave this one as a meta ticket and create new issues for the related subtasks. > > It should be very clear for users, what's going on with the location at the moment. Is the signal good? Is location precise or not? What should a user do to get it? OK, I don't mind. Just for recording: OFF button state has been re-implemented properly in the latest (December 2022) release. Please feel to report any issues related to this new feature.

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Better Location button UX #3450