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Johnson Controls´ automotive designers use HMI to better the drivers’ experience
It’s no revelation that human beings drive cars.
But it is noteworthy to point out that research on both driver and vehicle can help solve one of the most human of driving problems—distraction.
Multimedia systems, GPS navigation, entertainment and communication have become increasingly popular in today’s cars. On one hand, they’re boons to comfort and convenience. On the other, they can prove to be a distraction that can pull a driver’s focus away from where it should be—the road.
Johnson Controls is addressing this important concern of driver distraction through human-machine-interaction (HMI) design, a holistic approach that examines the factors involved in driving and, from there, encourages product design that makes driving safer and more enjoyable.
Smart Designs=Less Distraction
One of the primary focuses of HMI is driver reorientation, or what happens when a driver readjusts his or her attention after distraction. For instance: After a driver sees something on the road and adjusts his headlights accordingly, what interior design encourages a quick redirection of attention to the safest, most appropriate focus?
That’s the main goal for HMI designers: developing systems that expedite reorientation and, in so doing, reduce driver distraction.
Taking into account drivers’ behavioral patterns, likely forms of distraction and resulting response, Johnson Controls´ designers are building automotive systems and interior arrangements that address a number of important elements. These include:
• Ensuring a driver spends less time looking back and forth between the various images involved in driving, including the road and dashboard information.
• Locating key functions and devices near primary sightlines.
• Making sure that certain key controls remain within easy reach when the driver adjusts seating and steering wheel position.
• Reducing overall clutter and organizing certain controls and displays to provide easy access to features used most often.
Examples include a “3D cluster” that arranges information and instrumentation in an easy-to-see pattern; a “Mobile Device Gateway” that links mobile electronic devices to the vehicle itself; and an easy-to-learn instrument configuration system.
“What we are uniquely doing at Johnson Controls is bridging cognitive and physical environments that crafts a high-level user experience,” says Rodger W. Eich, studio manager of HMI’s Electronics Design Studio.
“The mission of HMI Design teams at Johnson Controls is to design top-quality products for automotive interiors that respect quality, aesthetics and usability,” says Gert-Dieter Tuzar, HMI principal designer. “The combination of objective and subjective improvements helps ensure a perfect driving experience.”
But it is noteworthy to point out that research on both driver and vehicle can help solve one of the most human of driving problems—distraction.
Multimedia systems, GPS navigation, entertainment and communication have become increasingly popular in today’s cars. On one hand, they’re boons to comfort and convenience. On the other, they can prove to be a distraction that can pull a driver’s focus away from where it should be—the road.
Johnson Controls is addressing this important concern of driver distraction through human-machine-interaction (HMI) design, a holistic approach that examines the factors involved in driving and, from there, encourages product design that makes driving safer and more enjoyable.
Smart Designs=Less Distraction
One of the primary focuses of HMI is driver reorientation, or what happens when a driver readjusts his or her attention after distraction. For instance: After a driver sees something on the road and adjusts his headlights accordingly, what interior design encourages a quick redirection of attention to the safest, most appropriate focus?
That’s the main goal for HMI designers: developing systems that expedite reorientation and, in so doing, reduce driver distraction.
Taking into account drivers’ behavioral patterns, likely forms of distraction and resulting response, Johnson Controls´ designers are building automotive systems and interior arrangements that address a number of important elements. These include:
• Ensuring a driver spends less time looking back and forth between the various images involved in driving, including the road and dashboard information.
• Locating key functions and devices near primary sightlines.
• Making sure that certain key controls remain within easy reach when the driver adjusts seating and steering wheel position.
• Reducing overall clutter and organizing certain controls and displays to provide easy access to features used most often.
Examples include a “3D cluster” that arranges information and instrumentation in an easy-to-see pattern; a “Mobile Device Gateway” that links mobile electronic devices to the vehicle itself; and an easy-to-learn instrument configuration system.
“What we are uniquely doing at Johnson Controls is bridging cognitive and physical environments that crafts a high-level user experience,” says Rodger W. Eich, studio manager of HMI’s Electronics Design Studio.
“The mission of HMI Design teams at Johnson Controls is to design top-quality products for automotive interiors that respect quality, aesthetics and usability,” says Gert-Dieter Tuzar, HMI principal designer. “The combination of objective and subjective improvements helps ensure a perfect driving experience.”
