Chinese consumers are immersed in a unique ecosystem of apps and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems. This shapes their perspectives and usage habits.

In this article series, we will take a deep dive into various popular Chinese apps and HMIs, such as Gaode Map, Baidu Map, and modern car HMI systems. We will analyze these systems from UI and UX perspectives, while also providing cultural background and insights.

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated.

Features on the landing page 

In the previous article, we analyzed the landing page in general (LINK) and the tab bar (LINK). In this article, we will take a closer look at further features.

From the wireframe (P03-1), we can see that Gaode Map has the most clickable elements, with about 25 icons, followed by Baidu Map with about 21 icons, and Google Maps with about 15 icons. Let’s now introduce these features one by one.

Please note: Chinese apps have a very high iteration frequency, so the design may differ by the time you read this article.

P03-1 Wireframe overview

Floating Action Buttons (FAB) at the top 

P03-2  There are many Floating Action Buttons in Gaode and Baidu apps at the top

(1) Advertisements (marked as 1 on P03-2)

Both Gaode and Baidu display one to two advertisements at the top of the page, while Gaode also places an ad spot on the right side of the page's middle section. 

Sometimes, this space is used to promote their own new features (such as voice packs), and other times it hosts third-party ads. Both Gaode and Baidu use these advertisements as a source of revenue.

So far, we haven’t encountered any users who enjoy seeing ads. However, as free software, Gaode and Baidu provide a user experience far superior to that of in-car navigation systems. As a result, users reluctantly accept the presence of these ads and continue using the apps.

Insights from Spiegel Institut:

Voice Packs

  • This is a highly popular feature and an essential part of the app.
  • Both Gaode and Baidu apps continuously release new voice options, such as those featuring popular celebrities or cartoon characters.
  • Chinese users particularly enjoy using voice packs because driving is often not an especially enjoyable activity. Having an extra layer of sensory stimulation—such as humorous tones or gentle voice prompts—acts as a form of mental relaxation.
  • For passengers, being in the car can also be a dull experience, with people either chatting or dozing off. Along the journey, different voices can add an element of joy, providing emotional value to the trip.

(2) Notifications

At the top-right corner of the screen, both Gaode and Baidu provide a notification feature, allowing users to opt in for push notifications such as news, weather updates, and traffic information.

(3) Layers

At the top-right corner of the screen, all three navi apps provide an entry to access map layers:


*Senior Map (P03-3)

  • With much bigger font size
  • With limited layers: Toilets, accessible elevators, hospitals, banks, supermarkets, kindergartens, and parks.

P03-3 Senior map layout from Gaode

(4) Feedback

At the top-right corner of the screen, both Gaode and Baidu provide a feedback entry.

Users can provide information about the map and navigation functions, such as adding new locations/roads/bus stations, correcting existing locations/roads/bus stations, or reporting navigation errors.

Users earn points through feedback, which can be exchanged for money.

Floating Action Buttons (FAB) in the center

P03-4  Location and navi FABs are all centered 

(5) Current Location

This feature is available on all three navigation apps, and it is placed in the center of the screen.

(6) Start Navigation

All three apps place the navigation start icon near the middle-right position of the screen.

(7) Information Widget

All three apps provide weather information, with Gaode also offering restricted traffic information and Google providing air quality details.

Functional and Info Panel 

P03-5  Features and advertisements are displayed

(8) Feature Panel / Drawer (with drag handle at the top) 

In addition to providing direct access to navigation features through the Tab Bar, both Gaode and Baidu also place a feature panel at the bottom of the screen.

(9) Information Panel / Advertisement 

This section contains image-based advertisements relevant to the region.

Conclusion

  • Baidu and Gaode display many features on the landing page, which does not leave a clean impression compared to Google.
  • However, the quick access to features brings convenience to many users who prefer not to navigate through multiple menu levels.
  • With the help of the drag handle, users have the freedom to switch between the full version layout and a simplified layout.
  • Additionally, the possibility to use different map overlays also provides users with more variety.

Spiegel Institut offers full package services for HMI and operation system development as well as usability tests for all industries. Feel free to contact us for cooperation:  info@spiegel-institut.de

Author: Yue Liu, Spiegel Institut Mannheim

更多资讯