Driver Preferences for Adjustable Distance Control Labels for an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System

Abstract

This study investigated driver preferences for labels of adjustable distance controls for an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system. Thirty-six participants were introduced to the concept of ACC by using a computer prototype of an ACC system. Participants were asked to provide their preferences for labels for two types of adjustable distance controls: one type that adjusts both speed and distance (shared controls) and another that adjusts only distance (separate control). For shared controls, participants preferred the labels ACC/DEC over ‘+/-’ and ACC/COAST. The labels preferred for the separate control were NEAR/FAR as opposed to symbols (arrows or chevrons). Due to some confusion that may arise from the abbreviations on the shared controls, additional investigations into appropriate labels, with the emphasis on international use (i.e., symbols), are recommended. Finally, because these preferences were obtained through the use of a computer prototype of ACC, usability tests should be conducted on the road to validate the results.