Human Factors of In-Vehicle Driver Information Systems: An Executive Summary

Abstract

This report summarizes a multiyear program concerning driver interfaces for future cars. The goals were to develop (1) human factors guidelines, (2) methods for testing safety and ease of use, and (3) a model that predicts human performance with these systems. After reviewing the human factors literature, focus groups were conducted to assess driver attitudes towards new information systems. Next, the extent to which these systems might reduce traffic accidents, improve traffic operations, and satisfy driver needs and wants was examined. Based on that effort and contract requirements, five functions were selected for further evaluation - route guidance, traffic information, road hazard warning, cellular phone, and vehicle monitoring. For each system, experiments were conducted at a licensing office, involving 20 to 75 drivers, to determine preferred display formats. They were followed by a static on-road test of the road hazard warning system, driving simulator experiments for the phone, traffic information, and navigation systems, a response-time experiment examining navigation displays, and a videotape-based experiment concerning navigation and traffic information. Finally, three on-road experiments were conducted using an instrumented car. From this research, tentative standard test protocols and measures were recommended, guidelines were written, and a human performance model was developed.