[Customisable In-Vehicle Information Systems]

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

The use of in-vehicle touch screen devices is currently common in civilian vehicles; despite this, the effects of motion on touch screen device operation within vehicles remains largely unexplored. This article describes a study that examined, using driving simulation, the influences of motion on performance, workload and usability when using a touch screen in-vehicle battle management system. Acting in the role of battle management system operator, 20 participants undertook four simulated drives, two under high motion (representative of an unsealed road) and two under normal motion (representative of a sealed road), whilst performing various battle management tasks. In the high motion condition, lower accuracy and longer task completion times were found, along with greater levels of subjective and physiological workload and lower levels of perceived device usability, when compared to the normal motion condition. The findings indicate that, compared to normal motion, the high motion condition impaired key aspects of battle management system operation. In closing, the importance of considering motion and its effects during touch screen system design is discussed.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Problem Statement4

Research Question4

Research Aims and Objectives5

Significance of the Study5

Rationale/ Nature of the study5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY25

Research Design25

Interviews25

Participants25

Data Collection26

Data analysis26

Ethical Consideration26

Validity and Reliability27

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS & FINDINGS28

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION30

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION32

REFERENCES33

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the study

In-Vehicle Information Systems are systems that are located inside the vehicle, and the serve the task of providing a mechanism for the transfer of information to and from the vehicle. The fundamental notion behind such systems is to provide means for information to the driver without hindering in any way with the driving. Driver Information Systems are present everywhere in the present day world, and their demand and use are rapidly increasing at a tremendous rate. The chief purpose of such systems is to keep the driver updated about a multitude of concerns that are relevant or crucial to him in any way, or may help in aiding him and making the task of driving more convenient. These systems may include, apart from the facilities of phones, text-message and emailing, navigation and route-search-and-update. In many systems, traffic management and facilities for avoidance of sudden collision is also there, besides emergency warnings.

The system receives messages through information subsystems regarding the content, urgency and time of the messages, along with the ambient condition. Determining the message and to check whether it can be applied is handled by different information subsystems. Determining the urgency of a message is also an important aspect which is handled by a different ...