Mobile Map Applications for Foldable Devices

As foldable mobile devices grow in popularity, they often feature two screens-a smaller cover screen and a larger inside one, accessible by unfolding the device vertically or horizontally. Despite this, most mobile applications, including map apps, have yet to be fully optimised for these interfaces. This paper explores adaptations of mobile map applications for foldable mobile devices to enhance usability and user satisfaction. In a user study with nine participants, we identify key aspects of mobile map app design for exploration and navigation scenarios. Our results show that in navigation scenarios, screens should provide complementary information, with turn-by-turn instructions on one screen and a route overview on the other. Furthermore, our results show that map views should maintain map alignment and orientation across screens during exploration to prevent disorientation. Ultimately, we find that the success of mobile maps on foldable devices rests on the role and importance of context and user preference in mobile map interactions. Foldable devices offer a valuable chance of improving the mobile map experience on mobile devices if designers find useful ways to make use of the two screens and the increase screen real estate.