Title: The psychology of driving automation: a discussion with Professor Don Norman

Authors: Neville A. Stanton, Mark S. Young, Guy H. Walker

Addresses: School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. ' School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. ' School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: Introducing automation into automobiles had inevitable consequences for the driver and driving. Systems that automate longitudinal and lateral vehicle control may reduce the workload of the driver. This raises questions of what the driver is able to do with this |spare| attentional capacity. Research in our laboratory suggests that there is unlikely to be any spare capacity because the attentional resources are not |fixed|. Rather, the resources are inextricably linked to task demand. This paper presents some of the arguments for considering the psychological aspects of the driver when designing automation into automobiles. The arguments are presented in a conversation format, based on discussions with Professor Don Norman. Extracts from relevant papers to support the arguments are presented.

Keywords: automotive automation; adaptive cruise control; ACC; mental workload; mental under-load; trust; feedback; longitudinal vehicle control; lateral vehicle control; driver psychology; automobile industry; driver attention; attentional capacity; driving automation; human factors; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2007.014906

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2007 Vol.45 No.3, pp.289 - 306

Published online: 17 Aug 2007 *

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