Determining the Accuracy and Acceptance of Using Driver Interface Display Components and Fuel Economy Information Types

If novel displays in the vehicle are not easily understood, they may increase driver distraction and result in higher crash risk. In this way, improving the usability of in-vehicle displays may decrease crash risk. However when there are a large number of interface design options, it is difficult to quickly determine which will be the most beneficial. The goal of this evaluation was to identify fuel economy display components and information types that would have the highest potential to improve accuracy and acceptance. Participants were more accurate at identifying fuel economy level when viewing information presented on horizontal bar display components with reference points. Subjective scores suggested that a balance of instantaneous and long-term information types was associated with greater interface acceptance. Results of this rapid assessment show the utility of supplementing objective accuracy measures with subjective acceptance metrics when considering multiple user interface designs.