Involving users in Automotive HMI design: Design evaluation of an interactive simulation based on participatory design

Hai Le, Duc; Ihme, Klas; Köster, Frank · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002818

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This paper addresses the need to integrate participatory design (PD) principles into user-centered design (UCD) processes for automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI). While UCD optimizes usability and user experience (UX), it often limits users to passive testing roles rather than active co-creators. The authors argue that involving users as stakeholders in the design phase can uncover tacit needs and improve acceptance, particularly in safety-critical domains like automated vehicles. To facilitate this, the study introduces a prototypical interactive simulation that allows non-expert users to iteratively design and evaluate HMI elements within a virtual environment. The researchers developed an interactive simulation using Unreal Engine 4.24, focusing on an external HMI for automated vehicles communicating with pedestrians. The tool enabled users to configure specific HMI parameters, such as light band brightness, blinking frequency, and color saturation, as well as environmental conditions like weather and time of day. A user study was conducted with 29 participants who remotely accessed the software. Participants experienced a scenario involving an approaching automated vehicle and then used the configuration menu to modify the HMI based on their impressions. This cycle could be repeated up to eight times. The study employed a within-subject design to assess the simulation’s usability and the participants’ perception of the participatory process. Data collection included the NASA-TLX for task load, the System Usability Scale (SUS) for usability, and the User Experience Questionnaire short (UEQ-S) for UX, followed by semi-structured interviews. Results indicated a low perceived task load, with participants reporting low mental demand and physical effort. The simulation achieved a high average SUS score of 83.79, indicating above-average usability, with particularly high learnability scores. UX ratings were positive, with pragmatic quality rated higher than hedonic quality. Qualitative feedback highlighted that while the tool was appreciated, users desired more color options, finer configuration increments, and greater environmental variety. Participants also suggested improving immersion through additional actors and visual aids rather than text. The study concludes that interactive simulations can effectively integrate PD elements into automotive HMI design, offering a viable method for active user involvement. The high usability and positive reception suggest that non-experts can successfully engage in design tasks when provided with intuitive, constrained tools. However, the authors note limitations, including the remote study format which reduced immersion compared to intended VR setups, and the lack of baseline comparisons. Future work should expand the parameter space for complex scenarios and explore immersive VR interfaces to further enhance user presence and design depth.

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• automation

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: design guidelines
• Empirical Findings: self report data
• Methodological Resource: tool software