Interface and Interaction Design for Drivers

Driving is recognized as an activity that requires a good level of attention from the driver. However, it is common for the driver to exhibit a low level of attention for brief or prolonged duration, either due to low driver alertness induced by fatigue or sleep deprivation or due to distractions such as grooming, eating, interaction with in-car technology and other individuals in the vehicle. During these instances, the driver pays lesser or no attention to the task of driving.

This is in spite of the fact that drivers adapt their behaviour when performing a secondary task complementary to driving. For instance, drivers reduce their vehicle speed when entering a destination into the navigation system or when interacting with the entertainment system (radio and CD player). In some situations these adaptations may reduce the risk of a road incident or avoid it altogether, by allowing more time for the driver to react. However, some crucial manoeuvres that are time critical could still be missed.

In-car interfaces and interaction demands compete for the driver’s attention. Therefore careful interaction design is required for drivers to limit the impact on attention and consequently on road safety.