Drivers’ Interaction Preferences in Autonomous Vehicle Multimodal Interactive Systems

Abstract

Within the scope of a broader project (which aimed to develop and implement a method for designing driver environments of autonomous vehicles), we investigated driver-vehicle interaction preferences within a multi-interactive, multi-display truck. Fifteen professional drivers explored different combinations of input (Buttons, Touch, Touchless gestures) and display (Instrument Cluster [ICL], Tablet, and Head Up Display [HUD]) and responded on the appropriateness, acceptance, and usability of the pairing. Results indicated that (1) Touchless input was not suitable for any display; (2) Buttons are best paired with the ICL and HUD; and (3) Touch was best paired with the Tablet. Future work should evaluate if the interactions with the system are easy to perform (i.e. interaction optimization); and driver understanding of system actions.