Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 21
SatNav or SatNag?
A Case Study Analysis of Evolving
HCI Issues for In-Car Computing
G. E. Burnett
University of Nottingham, UK
ABSTRACT
A wide range of in-car computing systems are either already in existence or under development which
aim to improve the safety, efficiency and the comfort/pleasure of the driving experience. Several unique
forces act on the design process for this technology which must be understood by HCI researchers. In
particular, this is an area in which safety concerns dominate perspectives. In this position paper, I have
used a case study system (vehicle navigation) to illustrate the evolution of some key HCI design issues
that have arisen in the last twenty years as this in-car technology has matured. Fundamentally, I argue
that, whilst HCI research has had an influence on current designs for vehicle navigation systems, this
has not always been in a wholly positive direction. Future research must take a holistic viewpoint and
consider the full range of impacts that in-car computing systems can have on the driving task.
INTRODUCTION
collision avoidance, lane keeping). In addition, a
range of systems provide information and services
related to other salient goals, for instance, to en-
hance working productivity (e.g. email/Internet
access) or for comfort/entertainment purposes.
The single contextual design factor that dif-
ferentiates this area from any other within mobile
HCI work is the safety impact. Paul Green makes
In-car computing systems provide information
of relevance to the driving task (e.g. navigation,
traffic and travel) or aim to support/replace the
driver in fundamental vehicle control tasks (e.g.
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