Drivers need clear and easily accessible information about the current driving and vehicle state to effectively and safely use automated vehicles. Displaying too much information however, may confuse drivers or increase their workload. Therefore, the Center of Human Computer Interaction at the University of Salzburg, Austria, is investigating as part of the HADRIAN project ambient in-vehicle lighting systems as low-distraction communication channels to inform drivers about the current state of the vehicle as well as their driver state. The lights are installed below the windshield, on the steering wheel, and in the footwell. Initial study results with 30 participants suggest that the lights can adequately prime drivers about the state of the automated vehicle and also allowed to identify design improvements regarding calibrating non-driving related activities. Final results of this and study will be published in 2022.
Light my Way!
