Designing for the naturalistic driving experience

Abstract

We designed a naturalistic driving study to compare voice-texting alternatives. The design accounts for the nuances we have discovered through research in our simulations studies and through the literature. We then conducted a pilot study to gauge the practice implications of our design. In this paper, we present the problems we encountered, solutions we developed, and other challenges faced in moving from a simulator experience to a real-world naturalistic study. Leveraging these findings, we put forth a set of design principles that will inform future research endeavors and provide instructions for conducting naturalistic driving studies. We hope this research serves as a comprehensive design guide for an effective naturalistic distracted driving study.