Title: A human factors evaluation of a novel display and control concept for in-vehicle audio systems: a case study

Authors: A.M. Parkes, N.J. Ward, G. Vaughan

Addresses: Transport Research Laboratory, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 6AU, UK. ' ITS Institute,Human Factors Research Laboratory, 141 A Mariucci Arena, 1901 Fourth Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. ' aughan Ergonomics Ltd, Bristol, UK

Abstract: A real road evaluation of two in-car audio systems was conducted. One system employed a novel steering column mounted set of controls for the main features of radio, cassette and compact disc player. The design was intended to minimise ||eyes off road|| and ||hands off steering wheel|| time. A multi-level usability analysis methodology was adopted, and a wide range of data captured to investigate whether control and display design influenced mental workload, visual behaviour and vehicle control in real traffic. A comparison was made with results obtained with a ||traditional|| audio system. The novel design involved a disassociation of controls located on a pod behind the steering wheel, and a separate display mounted at a point high in the centre of the dashboard. The new system was associated with the following safety-related indices: lower mental workload scores, reduced visual glance duration, and reduced driving conflicts.

Keywords: driver behaviour; driver performance; in-car entertainment; traditional audio system; satellite system; vehicle audio systems; vehicle controls.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.005206

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.25 No.4, pp.339 - 352

Published online: 10 Sep 2004 *

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