Automotive Cargo Reach Zones and Design Conducted a major study of user reach zones within all major classes of passenger vehicles in support of client design efforts. Hundreds of drivers of all ages were tested in a purpose-built test buck. The results are being used to locate and position controls, storage spaces, and other elements in various classes of vehicles.

Navigation System Evaluation for Heavy Trucks Conducted an on-the-road study of alternative electronic navigation systems for a major Class A8 truck manufacturer. Measures of truck driver performance, navigation, and subjective ratings were obtained with an instrumented vehicle over a 120-mile course. Truck-specific driver information needs were also determined. The identified system was subsequently included in product offerings.

Voice Control and Display for a Vehicular Navigation System Developed the basic structure, interface dialogue, and content for a voice control interface for an in-vehicle navigation system. Overall input and output commands, vocabulary, and system capabilities were determined. The system is designed to accommodate novice and experienced users, and to provide reliable eyes-off and hands-off control of navigation and information functions.

Interactive Web-Based Human Factors Engineering Database for Truck Design Developed an interactive, on-line ergonomics and human factors database and information system for a major heavy truck manufacturer. The graphic database includes nearly 2,000 files of product-specific information and human factors engineering design recommendations, including illustrations, charts, tables and component summaries.

Satellite Navigation System Usability Evaluation Conducted a usability study of a prototype, in-vehicle, color, flat-panel satellite navigation system for a major worldwide manufacturer. Developed recommendations for improving display content and control configuration. The product is recognized as being one of the easiest-to-use systems on the market.

Advanced Traveler Information Systems Design Tools Developed display mode design and decision tools and an engineering design guide for use in the development of Advanced Traveler Information Systems. The guide addresses the selection and design of visual displays, auditory alarms and voice displays, and tactile displays. Specific emphasis is given to selecting the appropriate sensory modality for the presented information.

Automotive Information and Control System Provided human factors design guidance for a compact, general-purpose automotive control, navigation, and information system. System-user interactions, display characteristics, and control features are being specified. Voice control of various automotive systems and information channels is provided, as is speech output.

Auto/Manual Shifter Interface Conducted a user interface evaluation of alternative design approaches for a shiftable automatic transmission control for a major European car manufacturer. Driver information and control requirements were identified, and ten design concepts were developed. Design criteria were applied to the various concepts to identify the most desirable configuration. The results can be seen in the Volvo S80 Turbo Six GearTronic transmission.

Climate Control Usability Assessment Conducted a performance study of alternative climate control interfaces for a major European luxury car manufacturer. Each of 40 luxury car owners was monitored during operation of four prototype units in simulated driving settings. Reaction times, errors, and subjective preference data were analyzed. The most successful of four designs was identified, and recommendations for further improvement were provided.

Automotive Console Usability Test Conducted a performance evaluation of new electronic car controls for a major European car manufacturer. Forty luxury car owners were solicited and tested individually in experimental driving bucks as they operated controls. The results of the evaluation resulted in a significant improvement in the overall ease-of-use of the system. The design can be seen in the Volvo S80.

Car Bumper Impact Information Conducted a study of the content and design of vehicle information stickers pertaining to car bumper impact damage. New car information stickers for major manufacturers were surveyed and critiqued. This project was performed for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Automotive Foot Control Design Conducted a study of human factors engineering characteristics of all classes of automotive foot controls for a major car manufacturer. A design guide for company engineers was prepared, covering all aspects of brake, accelerator, and clutch design, including size, shape, texture, height, angle, relative position, throw, actuation pressure, and control/response characteristics.

MultiFunction Remote Control for Automotive Applications Developed a design concept and model for a hand-held remote control, one capable of operating nine separate types of devices and also serving as a cellular telephone. The resulting configuration is simple enough to be operated by touch alone, compact, and capable of addressing future application needs.

User Interface Design for a Multi-Purpose Automotive Information and Entertainment Appliance Provided extensive consulting services on the design of hardware, graphics, user interaction, and voice control of the system. System will provided navigation, audio entertainment, back-seat DVD control, telephone, and internet connectivity. Ease-of-use and reliable hands-free operation were major design objectives.

Human Factors/Product Liability Seminar Conducted a seminar for 50 engineers, designers, legal personnel, and managers of a world-wide automotive component supplyer. The influence of interface design on driver performance was emphasized, and relevant findings from research on automotive information systems and driver distraction were reviewed.

Core-Flow Analysis of Automotive Navigation Systems Performed a detailed analysis of four different navigation systems and their overall user interface taxonomies. Systems were scored and evaluated based on the number of inputs required to perform key tasks, distracting information, and other measures. Strengths and weaknesses of each product were identified to assist future product development.

Airbus A380 Super Jumbo Jet Galley Concepts Conducted an analysis and developed numerous design concepts for food handling, preparation, and service systems for the A380 aircraft. This significant project was conducted for Airbus AG, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, and Lufthansa Airlines.

XM Satellite Radio Interface Evaluation Conducted an analysis of the operator interface of an XM satellite radio with particular emphasis on displays and the presentation of long text strings and related attention demands placed on the driver. Recommendations for text presentation, including non scrolling text, message length, presentation sequences, and presentation durations were provided.

Design Guide for Flat Panel Automotive Screen Design Developed a human factors design guide for use by a manufacturer in the design of color flat panel screens used for various vehicular functions, including entertainment and navigation. Topics included contrast and brightness, color and color contrast, character design and legibility, response rates, overall layout issues, and touchscreen surface design.