A validation study of a fixed-based, medium fidelity driving simulator for human–machine interfaces visual distraction testing

Large, David R.; Pampel, Sanna M.; Merriman, Siobhan E.; Burnett, Gary

Abstract

Studies comparing results captured in a simulator with those on road are important to validate the approach but are scarce in the context of secondary task distraction due to the potential ramifications of diverting attention away from safe driving. The authors compare distraction-related data from two studies exploring human–machine interfaces (HMI) design: one conducted in a static, medium-fidelity driving simulator with a vehicle enclosure and immersive visual environment, and one conducted on road. In both, 19 drivers undertook an identical selection of touchscreen, point-and-select tasks. The magnitude of visual distraction (defined as off-road glances directed towards the touchscreen) differed between the road and the simulator, with drivers making more and longer off-road glances when interacting with the interface on road. However, the ordering of effects in response to changes to the complexity of interface design was the same. For example, the number and duration of off-road glances increased with increasing number of interface elements, and smaller targets attracted longer off-road glances, in both the road and simulator studies. The work demonstrates good relative validity for the use of medium-fidelity driving simulators for HMI-visual distraction testing, supporting their application in this context, and adds to the literature regarding the visual demand characteristics of in-vehicle interfaces.

Citation

Large, D. R., Pampel, S. M., Merriman, S. E., & Burnett, G. (2023). A validation study of a fixed-based, medium fidelity driving simulator for human–machine interfaces visual distraction testing. IET Intelligent Transport Systems, 17(6), 1104-1117. https://doi.org/10.1049/itr2.12362

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 16, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 30, 2023
• Journal: IET Intelligent Transport Systems
• Print ISSN: 1751-956X
• Electronic ISSN: 1751-9578
• Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1104-1117
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1049/itr2.12362
• Keywords: Distraction testing; driving simulator; human–computer interaction; on-road; pointing; touchscreen; validation; visual demand
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/18768846
• Publisher URL: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/itr2.12362