Title: Human-factors methods in the design of vehicle components

Authors: M. Sivak, P.L. Olson, P. Green

Addresses: The University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2150, USA. ' The University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2150, USA. ' The University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2150, USA

Abstract: This paper discusses human-factors methods for evaluating the design of vehicle components. The need for human-factors measures is defended on the basis of the impracticality of the ultimate measure - the accident rate. Several human-performance measures are discussed: in traffic reaction times, driver eye fixations, visibility distances, subjective ratings of discomfort, and driver preferences. The utility of these measures is illustrated in the context of recent studies at The University of Michigan Transportation Research lnstitute concerned with vehicle rear lighting, headlighting, and instrument-panel displays.

Keywords: design evaluation; discomfort ratings; driver eye fixations; headlighting; human factors methods; human performance measures; instrument panel displays; in-traffic reaction times; rear lighting; vehicle component design; vehicle design; vehicle safety; visibility distances.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1986.061184

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1986 Vol.7 No.5/6, pp.331 - 337

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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