Signs symbols & displays in automated vehicles: A focus group study

Abstract

As SAE level 2 semi-autonomous vehicles are now available in the UK vehicle displays are required to communicate more complex information to the driver. It is clear from examining interfaces from different manufacturers that there is lack of consistency in these displays with different vehicles showing icons of a variety of shapes and colours to convey the same message. When driving a semi-autonomous vehicle it is essential the driver knows whether they are in an automated or manual driving mode. However the lack of standardisation in icon design can lead to mode confusion. To understand the impact on users a focus group was held where participants were asked to interpret the meaning of icons from a variety of different driver interfaces. As a result it is recommended that new ISO standard icons are introduced in order to support drivers in SAE level 2 and 3 automated vehicles.