Application of ecological interface design in a side collision avoidance system

ABSTRACT

When changing lanes while driving, visual blind spots or improper driving behaviors can cause collisions. This study examined whether applying the concept of ecological interface design in a side collision avoidance system could effectively facilitate safe lane changing and provide drivers with early warnings to prevent or reduce the occurrence of accidents caused by visual blind spots. A total of 26 men and women aged 20–26 years were recruited as study participants and a driving simulator and eye tracker were used as experimental tools to collect relevant analysis data. The study results indicated that a side collision warning system with an ecological interface design not only did not distract drivers, but also assisted drivers in decision-making when changing lanes. Therefore, this new type of interface is recommended for employment as a vehicle safety device to prevent collisions caused by drivers during lane changes because of negligence or blind spots to achieve the objectives of preventing traffic accidents and enhancing traffic safety.

KEYWORDS:

• Side collision avoidance system
• ecological interface design
• driving behavior
• eye tracker

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all of the subjects who participated in this study. This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Taiwan under the grant numbers MOST 105-2815-C-218-022-E and 105-2221-E-218 −011 -MY2.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology [105-2221-E-218 −011 -MY2,105-2815-C-218-022-E].

Notes on contributors

Yang-Kun Ou

Yang-Kun Ou is an associate professor in the Department of Innovative Productive Design and Director of Center of Innovative Experience Design at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. He received a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in 2013. His research interests include driving behaviors, in-vehicle information interface design and evaluation, traffic safety, and risk analysis.