Navigation systems have clear design and location guidelines independent of conventional controls and displays such as radios and HVAC. However, drivers switch between advanced and conventional devices while driving, so to lessen driver distractions, the location and usability of controls and displays needs to be as efficient as possible. Because of this, ease of interactivity between advanced and conventional controls and displays should employ a systems solution during initial phases of vehicle development to create a cohesive interactive system. Research findings presented in this discussion indicate that easy to see, reach and use onboard and third party technologies empower drivers to better manage core vehicle functions.
Guidance to accomplish this is provided on p.8 in The Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers (The Alliance) [
1] Statement of Principles, Criteria and Verification Procedures on Driver Interactions with Advanced In-Vehicle Information and Communication Systems.
“In order not to create unnecessary obstacles or constraints to the innovative development of products, the Statement of Principles is expressed mainly in terms of performance based goals to be reached by the HMI. Consistent with this objective the system should be designed:To minimize adverse effects on driving safety;
To enable the driver to maintain sufficient attention to the driving situation while using the system; and
To minimize driver distraction and not to visually entertain the driver while driving.”
Now that the automotive industry has been charged with this responsibility, what are the considerations required to use (or update) SAE driver workspace tools in order to implement the Alliance directives?