An Ecological Interface Design Approach for Developing Integrated and Advanced In-Vehicle Information System

The objective of this study is to propose a principled ecological interface design approach for in-vehicle information system and reduce driver's cognitive overload otherwise it might cause significant deterioration of driving performance and fatal consequences. Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy was applied to analyze functional difference between the old and new cars. Information requirement analysis based on the Skill-Rule-Knowledge framework was conducted to classify the level of driver's cognitive load when interacting with modern car functions. It was found that driving assistance functions have been increased but their interfaces are not integrated nor standardized properly yet. Sometimes information is too much, too complex or not given at the right time. This study suggests to follow four principles of design for improving current in-vehicle information system: 1) Consolidation and Parsimony; 2) Abstraction and Integration; 3) Utilization of different display characteristics; 4) Standardization through Customization. In this way of information design and distribution, people having different levels of driving experience would easily interact with new powerful functions of the car and stay in a safe, comfortable driving environment without losing connectivity.