An International Comparison of the Usability of Driver-Information-Systems: Tools, Results and Implications

The interaction between drivers and driver information systems has to be as uncomplicated and fast as possible since the main task for the driver is to drive. It is therefore necessary to design human-machine interfaces that make easy and safe interactions possible. Additionally, the increasing globalization of product markets demands to take into account cultural differences when developing a human-machine interface. For this reason, cultural peculiarities and intercultural differences have to be identified, investigated and considered in the design process. In the present study we examined the existence of cultural differences between Japan, USA and Germany with regard to the evaluation of navigation-systems. The results show that American, Japanese and German citizens evaluate navigation-systems differently and that intercultural differences may heavily influence the success of information-systems.