MFA Capstone Project:
Mark O’Black
Year: 2022
ABSTRACT
Distracted driving is a primary cause of motor vehicle accidents each year, with mobile phones contributing to this type of distraction. Drivers may use their mobile phones to make calls, send text messages, or find directions to a destination while operating their vehicle, which has prompted automotive manufacturers to equip vehicles with an in-vehicle information system (IVIS). The primary goal of an IVIS is to help eliminate the need for a driver to use their mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle; however, completing a task through an IVIS requires a driver’s attention, which leads to less attention placed on the primary task of driving. When less attention is placed on the primary task of driving, the risk of a motor vehicle accident taking place increases. This project will explore the design of IVISs, their effect on a driver’s attention, and identify ways to improve an IVIS interface design so that minimal attention is required from drivers when interacting with an IVIS. Based on this research and analysis, an IVIS interface design that helps reduce the amount of attention required from a driver to perform a task will be designed and validated through user testing.
