The proposal of a smart car's user interface scenario based on contextual inquiry methodology

Abstract

Background This study analyzes the current status of the smart car in terms of user experience and aims to develop a user-centric scenario, which reflects actual context and needs of users. The purpose of this study is to suggest a context-driven scenario for the understanding of usage context and for the proposal of service and solution for the smart car in the future throughout contextual inquiry methodology. Methods A literature review was conducted to find out the definition and status of the smart car. Quantitative survey and in-depth interviews for users were conducted as empirical studies. Based on the results of the literature review, we derived the evaluation factors for smart car UX, and throughout the survey and the interview, general level of awareness and experience on the smart car has been concluded. An affinity diagram, a sequence model and an artifact model have been developed as well. Virtual personas representing group of users were derived to propose a useroriented scenario of the smart car. Results This research identifies user scenarios based on user's needs, for example, the use of an improved operation method such as voice recognition, optimization and personalization of the location of information output, and the application of a GUI(Graphical User Interface) for its purpose and preference. Conclusions Necessary factors for the development of the smart car have been derived to satisfy user experience. First, position of the main display device for the driver must be moved to the nearby front cluster or the upper space of the cluster considering the convenience of location. Second, it is necessary to introduce an improved level of voice recognition as an interface operation method for ease of operation. Third, intuitively, this should minimize the driver's cognitive dissonance with regard to the visibility of the content.