Researchers: Sue Chrysler, Joel Cooper, Christine Yager
The focus is on driver distraction due to display content, as well as the impact of luminance and color on attracting driver attention.The human factors group is doing several projects which involve automotive displays, both original equipment and aftermarket devices such as smartphones, GPS displays, etc. The focus of the work is on driver distraction due to display content; however, the researchers also intend to investigate the impact of luminance and color on attracting driver attention. One project involves developing best practices to assess the distraction potential of information displays in the vehicle. These displays may provide safety warnings, in which case a flashing light or portion of the display may be designed to attract attention. Or they may be displaying less attention-grabbing information such as route guidance.