User-centered Human-Machine-Interaction (HMI) Design for Automotive Systems 2008-21-0004

Multimedia systems, GPS navigation, entertainment, and communication (infotainment) have become increasingly popular in today's cars. On one hand, these systems offer a desirable amount of comfort and convenience. On the other, the representation of information on displays and navigation through these virtual worlds leads to increased driver distraction within a constantly changing environment that could be dangerous to road safety. For this reason, Human-Machine-Interaction (HMI) Design needs to be addressed.

This paper will present a problem-driven, user-centered cognitive approach. It also shows how HMI Design transfers research findings into efficient product development. There is a very complex relationship between the user, the interface and the traffic environment. Psychological factors, the driving situation, and interface properties affect drivers' behavior. Design parameters for interaction concepts will be shown. As interaction design concepts represent designers' hypotheses, it will also be shown how these HMI concepts are tested. Within this phase users add their perspective to measure subjective and objective interaction efficiency.

The reader will experience a combination of primary research, secondary research, and product examples that render a holistic HMI development process between analysis and synthesis with a shared goal; encouraging driver support, reducing distraction, and making driving more enjoyable.