Easing and avoiding Switching moments

Important results from the project

The project goal was to test how the use of advanced dialog based on research on human dialog can contribute to reduced stress and a better mutual understanding between driver and autonomous vehicle. ------------- We have created an application that simulates an open choice dialog with grounding capabilities that informs about and gives the possibility to avoid so called "switching moments" between driver and vehicle. This is the application we have used in our user tests that we base our conclusions on.

Expected long term effects

The resulting test application has been very valuable for getting early, close to reality, feedback on our hypothesis. This feedback is matching well with our assumptions even though we are aware that there is not enough data to make any final conclusions. This is according to our plans as the goal of the project was to get an indication of whether it is worth continuing with the project both in expanding the use cases and integrating into a real driver environment.

Approach and implementation

By starting in an already existing test case, emergency vehicles blocking a planned route through "geofencing", we have created test scenarios that investigate how dialog possibilities can change the experience and options in such a scenario compared to the original experience. By working in a separate, mobile based, test environment we have quickly, with small means, and independently of larger infrastructures, been able to create a user experience that has made it possible for us to get a first indication regarding the value of our hypothesis.