Reducing the Drivers’ Cognitive Burden
Edward Elton
Perikilis Charchalakis
Elias Stipidis
This PhD investigates the cognitive demands placed on the driver from the in-vehicle system and how they can be reduced through Human Factors Design. The overarching aim of this research is to investigate the cognitive load presented to domestic car drivers from their vehicle and how this can be effectively reduced. The increase in emerging technologies within the car means that the driver has to interpret and act on data from several systems simultaneously. The dashboard and centre console displays information to the driver in multiple formats, all of which demand attention and adds to the drivers’ cognitive load.
PhD research into the impact of real- life driving has been undertaken to establish the areas within the car that contribute to increased cognitive load. This research is being expanded by measuring the amount of cognitive demand that tasks and interfaces require of the driver. After establishing the areas that influence the cognitive load the driver experiences it is then possible to improve that through design. The design process will be followed upon establishment of the contributory factors to improve on current levels of cognitive load in real-world driving scenarios by implementing a design improvement.
M.Conaghan1@uni.brighton.ac.uk
