Abstract
This paper describes a process and the results of a benchmarking study of the Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) of todays and future vehicles. It reflects the influences of society, technology and vehicle market trends. A standardised method was used to define and analyse the HMI and put the relevant technologies into a evaluation process. The comfort-discomfort relation directly reflects the influence of ergonomics and styling factors to the HMI of vehicles. The ergonomics is based on the human factors, which are, of course generic data, independent from vehicle manufacturers concepts and marketing strategies. On the other side, brand and vehicle image could be created by implementing new technologies, materials and innovations.
This is a subject of the styling the object
The design has to meet the acceptance of the customers. But what is acceptable varies between the society models and groups. Also the trends generated by these groups are different.
The new technologies inside and outside the vehicles are leading to a user interface which requires a permanently increasing number of input and output actions. Increasing driver distraction and overloading the driver while driving are the results. A solution will be to collect more information about the driver itself, his status and his activities, and to use this information together with intelligent materials and systems for the adaptation of the functions to the requirements of the driver related to the actual driving situation.