User-centred design criteria in next generation vehicle consoles

The purpose of this work is to gauge user opinions on vehicle dashboard design to ascertain the criteria important to consumers for the next generation of automobile dashboards. The results provide insight into the aspects of dashboard design that users feel are not beneficial and thereby lead to better informed dashboard designs in the future. Participants reviewed the physical ergonomics of their vehicles very positively. However, in dashboard design and instrument panel layout they were unsure of what an ideal dashboard would look like, often showing contradictory views. Controls on the steering wheel were also well reviewed but controls near the gear stick were not. In terms of vehicle technology Satnavs received good scoring for effectiveness but were reported as distracting. IVISs were negatively reviewed. Finally, automation was reviewed as potentially improving the daily lives of individuals but trust in automation is still a problem. Overall, this study showed that whilst dashboards are relatively well reviewed there are still issues to be addressed regarding in-vehicle technology and distraction, as well as improving public opinion on automated vehicles. Results represent the first stage in research studying current dashboards and distraction of in-vehicle technology and the design of automated dashboards of the future using virtual reality environments to create optimal console designs for drivers.