Visual Load Induced by in Car Office Applications

Abstract

With the integration of more features, driver-information-systems (DIS) in automobiles are getting more and more complex. The additional integration of online functionality turn DIS into CarPCs. Here the possibilities of the computer-world meet the restrictions of the vehicle-world. The interaction with the systems distracts capacities from driving. Due to inappropriate human machine interface design the visual channel is overloaded while using DIS or CarPCs. A usability study was conducted. The data shows, that the presentation of visual information is critical. A CarPC was developed. The human machine interface was designed under human factors criteria. The use of the system will lead to a reduced visual load of the driver. Further work has to be done.