Information Management in the Vehicle

In-vehicle equipment is becoming increasingly difficult for the driver to operate as more and more functions are added. In addition, with the competition for space on the dashboard, equipment designers are being forced to look at ways of making driver information more concise. In many cases this will mean the design of multifunction displays and controls with suppliers becoming more responsible for integrating their designs with other suppliers before showing to the vehicle manufacturer.

This paper looks at the lessons to be learnt from the aerospace industry and assesses those design techniques that are best suited to dashboard equipment.

A short study on driver impressions on the ‘user friendliness’ of car radios is described in terms of switches, displays and functionality.