Human Factors in the Travtek Demonstration IVHS Project: Getting Information to the Driver

Abstract

Advanced Driver Information Systems (ADIS) have the potential to assist drivers in choosing and reaching destinations by supplying information that is more complete and timely than is currently available. These rapidly developing information and communication technologies are also expected to bring about improvements in traffic network efficiency and safety. However, presenting new information to drivers raises a number of human factors concerns such as the potential for information overload and distraction from primary driving tasks. The challenge to driver/system interface designers is to maximize usability and learnability, minimize attentional demand and information density, and provide choices for individuals. The TravTek project is presented as an example of how human factors concerns can be addressed within the constraints of a particular ADIS system and of how human factors engineering and research can be integrated into the system design process.