- 01BENCHMARKING What can I learn from the design of the infotainment systems of my competitors?
In the dynamic world of human-machine interfaces (HMIs), where infotainment systems, smartphone applications, and charging systems are rapidly evolving, benchmarking studies are essential tools for identifying opportunities for improvement and staying ahead of the competition.
Benchmarks are comparative studies. They play a central role in identifying and realizing improvement potential for rapidly developing systems in comparison to competitors. In cooperation with our suppliers, we flexibly procure comparison vehicles according to your specifications and subject them to a variety of quantitative and qualitative tests (e.g., requirement analysis via focus groups, evaluation of operating tasks, distraction measurement via the occlusion method according to ISO 16673, and much more).
We delve deep into the user experience and provide you with the highlights and lowlights of the respective systems, the satisfaction of different user groups, potential for improvement, rankings and comments. Topics are diverse, ranging from infotainment to the charging experience, vehicle apps and voice control.
- 02FITNESS TO DRIVE TRAINING What are the requirements for people to remotely operate a vehicle?
New driving scenarios such as teleoperation (i.e., remote control of a vehicle) create new requirements for drivers. Our scientific research can help define these requirements, develop new driver aptitude diagnostics, and provide targeted training for the necessary skills.
Innovative forms of driving place new demands on the selection and training of drivers. The criteria for driving suitability and ability require a scientifically based approach. Our experimental studies use driving simulation and appropriate driving courses.
Based on expert assessments using the Standardized Application for Fitness to Drive Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) and on the driving and operational behavior of the drivers, an accurate, valid and fair assessment of driving aptitude and competence is produced.
We also develop targeted and effective training and rehabilitation concepts that take advantage of interactive driving simulation and can be used, for example, for elderly or (chronically) ill people. Driving training courses are scientifically monitored and consistently evaluated for their impact (e.g., on driving safety).
- 03DRIVER CONDITIONS Does my assistance system reliably detect driver drowsiness?
The technological progress of recent decades has brought new challenges to vehicle design. From comprehensive infotainment systems to assisted and automated driving: Drivers must always be in a state that allows them to perform the driving task safely or to take over in a short period of time.
The multimodal recording and evaluation of driver states via driving behavior, interviews, eye tracking, physiological measures such as EEG, etc. has a long history.
In our experimental studies, we record and evaluate the driver's state using individually developed test setups and standard procedures (e.g., according to AAM, NHTSA, EuroNCAP). Depending on the level of automation (SAE levels 0 to 5), we address visual and cognitive distraction, fatigue and sleep, as well as driver emotion, comfort, and motion sickness.
We also perform measurements to evaluate ADDW and DAW systems for vehicle homologation (according to EC regulations 2019/2144, 2023/2590).
- 04PROTECTION: CONTROLLABILITY Can my lane departure warning system be controlled in the event of a malfunction?
As vehicles take over more and more of the driving task, they are designed to relieve the driver and prevent human driving errors. However, driver assistance systems can also reach their limits and cause errors. Controllability examines whether the driver can control system limitations and errors in an emergency.
Before innovative driver assistance systems and automated driving functions go into production, they must undergo rigorous safety testing. Controllability is a key evaluation category in the hazard and risk analysis of assistance systems (ISO 26262).
For example, if a lane departure warning system causes the vehicle to drift out of its lane due to incorrect steering intervention, the driver must be able to detect the error in time and take appropriate corrective action. Our team therefore conducts comprehensive controllability tests on various assistance systems and error types. The aim is to ensure the reliability of the results by selecting proven and individually suitable test methods.
- 05MEASURING EQUIPMENT Do drivers understand my assistance system and are they using it appropriately?
Human-machine interfaces such as driver assistance and information systems must be safe, comfortable, and easy to use. We use a variety of measurement techniques to comprehensively evaluate these systems.
Our research enables a multidimensional evaluation of human-machine interfaces: Different levels of data, such as survey data, behavioral data, gaze data, and physiological data, are combined to form a complete picture.
To ensure high data quality, we use only objective, reliable and valid data collection methods. The extensive training of our test operators and our trained, heterogeneous subject pool ensure a high degree of external and internal validity of the data. We have a high level of expertise in the analysis of large and complex data sets from different measurement environments, both in real traffic and in simulators.
In addition to standardized measurement methods according to NHTSA, ISO or Response Code of Practice, we also develop new measurement tools, e.g., for the evaluation of display and operating concepts of automated vehicles.
- 06METHODOLOGY How can I reliably answer my research question?
Empirical findings support good decisions. Customer requests are therefore translated into researchable questions and answered in a reliable, open, methodologically and ethically correct manner. These insights accelerate the communication and development processes for decision making.
The methodological possibilities are as varied as the questions: from the development of specific experimental designs, the operationalization of constructs of interest, data collection and analysis, to the presentation of results and publication in scientific journals or at conferences.
Many questions can be answered with the help of carefully planned and conducted subject studies. Other questions can be narrowed down or clarified through structured questioning and evaluation by experienced experts.
Finally, an analysis of the current state of research and technology with the help of a detailed literature search often helps. We know when which method contributes efficiently to success.
- 07TELEOPERATION What does an optimized teleoperator workstation look like?
Teleoperation is the process of assisting or controlling a vehicle from a distance. The correct design of a teleoperator's workstation plays a critical role in the safe and efficient execution of the driving task based on digitally transmitted data.
In teleoperated driving, a teleoperator evaluates the driving situation and makes decisions without being physically present. This raises a number of questions.
What information needs to be provided to the teleoperator to safely perform the driving task (workload, situation awareness)? What controls and ergonomics are required? How can the teleoperator be supported if there are delays in data transmission? What are the selection criteria and training options for teleoperators?
We investigate these and other questions related to teleoperation using a specially developed driving simulator.
- 08TEST ENVIRONMENT Which testing environment fits my research question?
The choice of test environment is a decisive factor in finding the best possible answer to your research question. We offer you the entire range of test environments: from driving simulation and conducting studies on suitable test tracks to investigations in public traffic.
As developers and users of the SILAB simulation software, we are experts in the use of driving simulation as a valid test environment in traffic research. In our simulation laboratories we have several car and motorcycle simulators in various stages of fidelity to cover a wide range of research questions.
We also operate simulators for trucks, buses, bicycles and pedestrians. We also offer you our many years of experience in the execution of real vehicle studies in order to provide optimal test conditions outside of the driving simulation. Depending on the specific problem, we will work with you to select a suitable test track or plan a study in public traffic.
- 09TRAFFIC AREA DESIGN How can the number of accidents at a problematic intersection be reduced?
Developments such as increased traffic volumes, changes in mobility patterns or new technologies (e.g., automated driving) require the road environment to be adapted. Technical guidelines alone are often not enough to make traffic areas safe. The involvement of the human factor is essential.
Traffic observations, accident statistics, and human-centered methods such as interviews with road users allow us to draw conclusions about current difficulties and possible weaknesses or causes of accidents.
On the basis of these findings, we develop alternative solutions (e.g., structural measures, modified signage, modified traffic routing) both in the early planning phase and as part of optimizations in the existing situation. We then test these in a driving simulation in a virtual environment to evaluate their efficiency.
We have many years of experience in optimizing traffic areas in a variety of environments, including rural communities, metropolitan areas, and airport traffic. The success of the concepts we have developed is demonstrated by the reduction in the number of accidents following their implementation.
- 10UX / USABILITY Is the user experience (UX) of my operating concept positive?
Good usability and a positive user experience (UX) are essential for the success of any product. In the field of mobility, these parameters also have an impact on driving safety, e.g., due to distraction. They are therefore relevant to a wide range of research questions.
User-friendliness and intuitive operation are crucial for the success of products and systems. The usability and UX of human-machine interfaces are evaluated and optimized using appropriate human-centered methods according to ISO 9241. Depending on the task, open or standardized surveys, user tests, heuristic evaluations, design thinking approaches or focus groups are used.
Our interdisciplinary team, which includes certified usability engineers, has many years of methodological expertise in this field. This enables us to select and apply the right methods for each individual project.
