Citation

Creaser J, Lenneman J, Szczerba J. Proc. Int. Driv. Symp. Hum. Factors Driv. Assess. Train. Veh. Des. 2009; 5: 522-528.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, University of Iowa Public Policy Center)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes a usability study of serial-hybrid vehicle energy gauge designs. Eight gauges that were modified by design format (bars, dials), color (one color, two colors) and the type of information present (range information, no range information) were tested in a driving simulator under urban/suburban traffic conditions. Participants answered questions about the state of the battery and fuel tank separately and also answered questions that involved combining the information from both sources of energy. Comprehension was assessed based on accuracy and response times to the questions when a gauge was presented. Participants also completed subjective ratings of the gauges. Driving performance was assessed to determine if driving was affected by responding to gauge presentations. Overall, the results indicated that the bar design using two colors and including range information performed best when integration of the two energy sources was required. These attributes were also most preferred by participants in this study.