ABSTRACT
The Blind Operation of In-car Controls project was set-up to develop an “eyes-free” prototype interface, enabling drivers to access secondary and ancillary controls whilst minimising the visual demands within the car. This research was initiated out of concern for the increasing use of multi-function screen based interfaces that place an additional visual workload on the driver. Drawing from current data, a “pool” of control concepts for operating a sub-set of functions of vehicles was generated. Specific experimental studies subsequently identified the characteristics of in-vehicle controls that reduced the requirement for vision. A complete list of functionality for current cars was compiled with reference to high specification cars such as the BMW 7 series. A series of focus groups with experienced drivers reduced this list of functionality down to that which would need to be easily accessed before, during and after normal driving and in the event of an emergency.
