The Hexagonal Spindle Model for Human Situation Awareness While Autonomous Driving

Abstract

Over the years, many automobiles have been installed with automated functions (Debernard et al. [5]). Traditional automotive manufacturers in addition to newly emerging IT companies have been recently developing autonomous driving functions. Common sensor technologies have recently been discussed, although human situation awareness regarding autonomous driving systems has not. According to Endsley, the development of autonomous vehicles reveals three major problems [8] that may affect drivers’ overall safety, as the autonomous driving system is not perfect; thus, if any problems occur that disable the driver and autonomous system from maintaining safe driving, a serious car crash becomes a possibility. Therefore, this paper suggests that the hexagonal spindle model be employed for human situation awareness during autonomous driving. Through the model, Human Machine Interface (HMI) designers may be expected to consider various aspects of human situation awareness during autonomous driving to help drivers implement driving strategies when facing unanticipated events on the road.