University researchers examine developer and driver needs for IVIS design guidance materials.
New Zealand
Drivers’ response to warnings/information provided by in-vehicle informationsystems
Summary Information
Researchers from the University of Waikato in New Zealand provided a few recommendations given their results from two related studies. The first study examined the effects of an intelligent speed assistance/adaptation (ISA) mobile phone application on driving performance in a driving simulator. The second study examined the prevalence and perceptions of in-vehicle information system (IVIS) applications through a questionnaire completed by 1,017 New Zealand drivers. The researchers recommend that guidance to developers and drivers be developed with information on IVIS best practices. The final report was published in June 2018.
For safety oriented IVIS applications to give drivers useful information without overly distracting them, they must be designed effectively. Overall, these systems should be easy to see, require short and infrequent glances, and be mostly hands free. The researchers suggest the following design considerations:
- The system interface and positioning should only require short and infrequent glances. To ensure short and infrequent glances, the system input should be located within 10 to 20 centimeters of the driver's hand and be operable with a single hand.
- The display should minimize the downward viewing angle.
- The display should follow best practice guidelines by using recognizable symbols consistent with traffic signs.
The researchers suggest sharing this guidance in one or more brochures made generally available through automotive retailers, insurers, automobile owner groups, and the Transport Agency.
