Less distraction with more controls : a concept steering wheel
Robert Lundqvist, David Leman · Epubl LTU · 2006
The numbers of functions controlled by the driver have increased in the past few years as a consequence of the increased technology in the cars. These functions have to be controlled simultaneously as the vehicle is driven. The driver has to dispose the time between the primary task, driving the vehicle in a safe manner, and secondary tasks, e.g. changing radio stations or raising the temperature. The result is an increased mental workload and the human only has limited resources and an increased workload will reduce safety. The question we asked ourselves was “How can we increase the number of controls on the steering wheel whilst enhancing performance and without compromising safety and ergonomics?” Through research, benchmarking, a function survey and placement evaluations, many concepts evolved into a final concept. A prototype was built for visualization and testing and finally an expert evaluation validated the results. The evaluation results showed enhancements on the driver’s mental, physical and visual workloads. This means that it is possible to increase the number of controls on the steering wheel if the design and layout of the controls are done in a proper way. The groups are placed in different layers with the climate and communication groups on the spokes, the audio group on a lowered level and the cruise groups placed 3 cm behind the rim. The groups are separated by form and by the use of different types of controls, which also makes it possible to use all fingers. The logical internal grouping makes it easy to use and understand the functions. Finally feedback is provided through different channels.