Human Factors
The human factors stream investigates issues concerning the presentation of available information to the driver. These include: driver distraction and information presentation, likely advances in HUD, haptics, voice control, gesture recognition systems and eye-gaze technology.
The demand for new safety technology by consumers will rely on their usability. Understanding the benefits of technologies that remain invisible to them and which seem to make no discernable difference to their vehicle is also important. How can consumer appetite for safety technology be created other than as a conspicuous status enhancing extra?
Demographic trends indicate an ageing population that will want to retain road mobility. Technology focusing on the needs of this particular demographic will make a considerable impact over the next twenty years.
Managing the behaviour and attitudes of younger drivers improving their reactions and hazard awareness will be important. Education at school and effective information campaigns may be a part of the overall package in this respect but restrictions on new drivers through a managed probationary period may also assist.
- Improving the means of communication and control between driver and vehicle (HUD) and Haptic feedback, voice control, eye gaze and gesture recognition systems
- Information presentation
- Issues of driver distraction
- Driver monitoring
- Reactions and hazard awareness
- Responding to an ageing population
- Managing young drivers
