Dynamic Display of in-Vehicle Text Messages: The Impact of Varying Line Length and Scrolling Rate

Abstract

This study examined the effect of varying dynamic display characteristics of in-vehicle text messages on visual sampling behavior. Sixteen participants navigated a simulated driving environment while reading text messages on an in-vehicle display. Each participant was exposed to four combinations of message segment length (short or long) and scrolling rate (slow or fast). Visual sampling was measured by the frequency and duration of glances to the display and the roadway, and comprehension of messages was measured by a series of post-drive questions. Results showed that varying segment length and scrolling rate affected the number of glances made to the display, but not their duration. Participants adjusted their reading rate to accommodate the rate at which messages scrolled, which protected reading comprehension but reduced the time spent viewing the roadway as the rate increased.

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