Analysis of User”™s Comfort on Automated Vehicle Riding Simulation using Subjective and Objective Measurements

Norzam, Muhammad Nur Aliff Mohd; Karjanto, Juffrizal; Yusof, Nidzamuddin Md.; Hassan, Muhammad Zahir; Zulkifli, Abd Fathul Hakim; Rashid, Ahmad Azad Ab · 2022 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.31603/ae.6913

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This study investigates how personal driving styles influence user comfort and acceptance when riding in an automated vehicle (AV) with a defensive driving style. While previous research suggests that users generally prefer defensive AV driving styles, this research specifically examines whether this preference holds true for individuals with assertive (aggressive) versus defensive personal driving habits. The study aims to determine if personal driving traits affect the perceived comfort, safety, and motion sickness propensity of passengers in automated vehicles. The researchers employed a "Wizard of Oz" experimental design using an instrumented real vehicle rather than a simulator to ensure high ecological validity. Thirty young Malaysian drivers participated, categorized into assertive (n=15) and defensive (n=15) groups based on sensation-seeking scores. A human "Driving Wizard" simulated a defensive AV driving style by maintaining smooth, low-frequency accelerations and decelerations within predefined limits. Data collection occurred in three phases: pre-ride, during the ride, and post-ride. Objective measurements included tri-axial vehicle acceleration and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) via ECG sensors. Subjective measurements utilized the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) and a Test Ride Rating scale assessing comfort, pleasantness, safety, and driving style reflection. Results indicated no statistically significant difference between assertive and defensive participants regarding their acceptance of the defensive AV driving style. Both groups reported high levels of comfort, pleasantness, and safety, with median ratings indicating satisfaction with the simulated ride. Objective data showed that the Driving Wizard successfully maintained consistent acceleration profiles, with dominant frequencies below 0.5 Hz, minimizing motion sickness risk. HRV analysis revealed significant changes in heart rate metrics across the experimental phases but no significant interaction between participant type and physiological responses. Additionally, MSAQ scores showed no significant increase in motion sickness symptoms for either group, except for minor peripheral-related constructs. The findings suggest that a defensive driving style in automated vehicles is universally preferred and perceived as comfortable, regardless of the passenger's personal driving style. This implies that AV manufacturers can adopt a standardized defensive driving algorithm without needing to customize driving behaviors to match individual user preferences. The study supports the hypothesis that users prioritize safety and smoothness over the dynamic thrills associated with aggressive driving, even if they personally drive assertively. These results contribute to human factors research in autonomous mobility, highlighting the importance of consistent, low-frequency motion profiles for user acceptance.

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Topics

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• passenger motion sickness comfort
• acceptance adoption
• simulator sickness

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: self report data