Enhancing the User Experience in Transitions from Highly Automated to Manual Driving

Abstract

The development of automated vehicles is growing rapidly within the automotive industry. Currently there are 5 levels of automation, where the highest level is fully capable of driving with no human interaction involved. This thesis project focuses mainly on level 4 automation, where the driver is requested to take back control and drive manually in some cases. As previous solutions from Volvo Cars have received some negative feedback, the aim for this thesis is to improve the user experience regarding the transition from autopilot to manual drive. By stripping down the system to identify different core-values, two important pieces were added to the system – Pre-notification and Post-notification. Furthermore, 106 design guidelines were created to generate different ideas using a rapid prototyping approach. Through an iterative process with brainwriting, digital user studies and expert reviews, one concept was created using both visual and auditory cues. The aim of the concept was to increase the predictability and understanding of the transition but also to increase the transparency of the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The concept was further evaluated in VR with experts to conclude and formulate some fundamental statements. Requirements are that the transition needs to use pedagogic information and smooth transitions between the vehicle’s information channels. To avoid information overflow, information volume needs to be restricted and primary information should be placed in front of the driver. Additionally, the system was considered to benefit from implementing the Pre- and Post-notification to enhance the user experience of the transition. When evaluating the new concept with users, less stress was experienced as more time were given to prepare for the takeover. The Post-notification was also positively interpreted with less confusion as an explanation of the takeover was provided in the concept. However, further research needs to be conducted investigating the effects of the concept in a real car. Haptic cues should also be considered in future development of the concept.