This paper uses interactional
analysis of video data from fifteen naturalistically recorded
journeys with GPS to understand the navigational practices
deployed by drivers and passengers. The paper documents
five types of ‘trouble’ where GPS systems cause issues and
confusion for drivers around: destinations, routes, maps &
sensors, timing and relevance and legality. The paper argues
that to design GPS systems better we need to move beyond
the notion of a docile driver who follows GPS command
blindly, to a better understanding of how drivers, passengers
and GPS systems work together. We develop this in discussing
how technology might better support ‘instructed action