Fluid interface concept for automated driving

The biggest challenge for a human-machine interface in highly automated vehicles is to provide enough information to the potentially unaware human operator to induce an appropriate response avoiding cognitive overload. Current interface design struggles to provide timely and relevant information tailored for future driver’s needs. Therefore, a new human-centered approach is required to connect drivers, vehicles and infrastructures and account for non-driving related activities in the forthcoming automated vehicles. A viable solution derives from a holistic approach that merges technological tools with human factors knowledge, to enable the understanding and resolution of potential usability, trust and acceptance issues. In this paper, the human factors challenges introduced by automated driving provide the starting point for the conceptualization of a new Fluid interface. The requirements for the new concept are derived from a systematic analysis of the necessary interactions among driver, vehicle and environment. Therefore, the characteristics, components and functions of the interface are described at a theoretical level and compared to alternative solutions.