Virtual Road Signs

Abstract

Studies have shown that experts are more sensitive to changes in the road scene than novice drivers, and use the driving patterns of other cars to infer important information. A tool that can help bridge the gap between experts and novices may be augmented reality (AR), which can be used to graphically overlay virtual information onto the real world that may not otherwise be easily inferred. In this paper, we propose an AR interface that aims to improve the sensation, attention, situation awareness and decision making of international drivers who are new to the United States (US). We present results of a preliminary study that identifies the needs of novice international drivers as well as an AR interface design created to support these needs. Contextual inquiry and analysis techniques were used to extract the needs of novice international drivers. Based on observations, iterative designs and a prototype were developed that merge AR and audio feedback. Lastly, the prototype was evaluated by two usability experts, who performed a heuristic walkthrough based on the principles of human information processing. The experts conclude that the interface has the potential of increasing the sensation, attention, situation awareness and decision making while reducing the mental workload of novice international drivers. Future work will include an empirical study to support the observations of the analytical evaluation presented herein.