| BIONIC | This project is in progress |
| Blind Operation of In-Car Controls |
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Context Many more functions will be available to drivers in future. Interaction between drivers and multiple systems particularly for telematics will cause an increase in visual distraction and mental workload with unfortunate implications for road safety. The tactile sense is commonly under-used and under-valued in vehicle design. Limited guidance is available to designers on physical controls that minimise the need for vision. Aims Develop and validate a set of design guidelines for the design of vehicle controls that provide tactile feedback to the driver and minimise the need for vision. Method Gather knowledge on the design of tactile controls and derive a number of control concepts for operating a sub-set of established and future functions of vehicles particularly for telematics. Learn from the experience and strategies adopted by people who are blind or have poor vision and concentrate on the needs of older drivers Carry out experiments to identify the characteristics of in-vehicle controls that reduce or remove the need for vision. Assess the results of this work in a driving simulator. Design a set of controls and compare with current designs in on-road trials. Benefits Easier to use secondary and ancillary controls in vehicles Reduction in the number of distraction-related driving accidents More attractive products for UK systems suppliers Participants Honda R&D; Europe (UK) Ltd RNIB SAMMIE CAD Ltd Loughborough University (HUSAT) Alpine Electronics ARRK Formation Ltd |
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