Genesis Pilot Human Factors Test, Human Factors Evaluation Of Driver Multitasking And Message Formats, Final Report

NHTSA · 1996 · ROSA P / United States. Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation Systems

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Summary

This 1996 report by the Human Factors Research Laboratory at the University of Minnesota evaluates the human factors implications of the Genesis Pilot Project, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) initiative. The study addresses two primary concerns: the impact of driver multitasking on vehicle control when using in-vehicle information devices, and the suitability of message formats displayed on pagers and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs). The research was motivated by the need to determine whether providing drivers with real-time traffic information via these devices would create dangerous attentional loads or if the devices could be optimized for safe use while driving. The methodology consisted of a comprehensive literature review and synthesis regarding divided attention, workload, and secondary tasks in driving, alongside a specific evaluation of the Genesis message formats. The authors analyzed existing studies on multitasking, including simulator experiments involving cellular phones, radio tuning, and map reading, to establish theoretical frameworks for cognitive overload. For the message evaluation, the researchers assessed the legibility, content consistency, and hierarchical structure of messages displayed on MinnComm pagers and Apple Newton PDAs. This assessment was based on published human factors guidelines and the authors’ prior experience with Radio Broadcast Data Systems, focusing on variables such as luminance, font size, and readability under varying ambient lighting conditions typical of driving. The findings indicate that using information-providing devices increases the driver’s information processing workload and diverts attention from the primary task of driving. The literature review concluded that multitasking effects are task-specific; findings from one device or condition cannot be generalized to others. While drivers may adaptively reduce attention to secondary tasks when driving demands are high, there is no guarantee they will avoid reading messages during high-workload scenarios. Regarding message formats, the study identified significant deficiencies in legibility, content, and structure. The PDA display suffered from specular reflections and small font sizes, while the pager lacked adjustable contrast. Message content lacked consistency in formatting, which hindered rapid comprehension. The authors noted that these issues were partly due to the experimental nature of the hardware, which was not optimized for in-car use. The significance of this report lies in its cautionary conclusions regarding ITS deployment. It establishes that while empirical evidence does not definitively prove that Genesis devices cause accidents, they inherently increase cognitive load and distraction risk. The report emphasizes that physical manipulation of devices is a secondary concern compared to the diversion of visual and cognitive attention. It concludes that message formats require improvement to enhance legibility and reduce the time drivers must attend to displays. The authors recommend that future iterations of such systems prioritize design changes that minimize attentional capture and suggest that devices should ideally be used only when the vehicle is stationary, though voluntary compliance remains a challenge.

Key finding

Using in-vehicle information devices increases information processing workload and diverts attention from driving, while current message formats suffer from legibility and consistency deficiencies that require remediation.

Methodology

review

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Topics

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• visual manual
• temporal
• feedback modes
• manual
• auditory

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: design guidelines
• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model