An Experimental Study of Destination Entry with an Example Automobile Navigation System

An over-the-road study of driver destination entry using an example in-dash GPS-based navigation system was accomplished in traffic on urban surface streets and freeways. The evaluation used typical drivers, and a vehicle instrumented to record driver control inputs, vehicle response motions including lateral lane position, and driver eye glances and fixations. The primary task was to follow the routes in a safe manner, while moving with traffic and maintaining speed and lateral lane position. As a secondary task, the drivers entered the successive destinations while driving, using a touch screen, and at their own pace. They were told there was no hurry, nor was there a need to enter the destination quickly. Results are shown for number of keystrokes, total fixation times, number of fixations on the device, fixation duration, lane keeping performance, and subjective ratings related to ease of destination entry. Overall, the drivers were able to accomplish the destination entry tasks with acceptably short glance durations on the navigation display, and with satisfactory subjective ratings for ease of entry.