Gaze-based Interaction with Windshield Displays for Automated Driving: Impact of Dwell Time and Feedback Design on Task Performance and Subjective Workload

Abstract

With increasing automation, vehicles could soon become mobile work- and living spaces, but traditional user interfaces (UIs) are not designed for this domain. We argue that high levels of productivity and user experience will only be achieved in SAE L3 automated vehicles if UIs are modified for non-driving related tasks. As controls might be far away (up to 2 meters), we suggest to use gaze-based interaction with windshield displays. In this work, we investigate the effect of different dwell times and feedback designs (circular and linear progress indicators) on user preference, task performance and error rates. Results from a user study conducted in a virtual reality driving simulator (N = 24) highlight that circular feedback animations around the viewpoint are preferred for gaze input. We conclude this work by pointing out the potential of gaze-based interactions with windshield displays for future SAE L3 vehicles.