HMI Design for Automated, Connected, and Intelligent Vehicles

Abstract

A key design element in advanced vehicles is the human–machine interface (HMI), which refers to displays that present information to the driver and controls that facilitate the driver's interactions with the vehicle as a whole and indicate the status of various vehicle components and sub-systems. In the context of vehicle safety systems in particular, the HMI should effectively communicate information while managing driver workload and minimizing distraction. HMI design requirements for automated, connected, and intelligent vehicles (ACIV) must be determined in the context of many considerations, including their influence on safety, public perception and perceived value, the mix and behaviors of legacy vs. connected vs. automated vehicles over time within the vehicle fleet, and the degree and type of automation associated with HMI. In general, safe and efficient operation of any motor vehicle requires that the HMI be designed in a manner that is consistent with driver needs, limitations, capabilities, and expectations—a continuing challenge is to identify just what these are amidst the changing and uncertain landscape of advanced vehicle technology. Despite these challenges, our objective in this chapter is to summarize what we do know (or at least, what we think we know) regarding HMI design principles for ACIVs, including how the design of the HMI can be used to increase trust, manage workload, and improve situation awareness in ACIV. All these goals support the broader goal of safety—the safety of the drivers and occupants of ACIV, as well as the safety of all road users.