Skill acquisition in using advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) by order of BASt
(2000 - 2003)
Partner
BASt: Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (Federal Institute for traffic in Germany)
Description
Navigation systems are one example of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) which involve users in certain dialogues. Usually the driver reads a display and operates the navigation system by manual entries. Evidence accumulates that operating an ATIS while driving can become a serious safety risk because of high demands on the drivers cognitive resources and the requirement of repeatedly taking the eyes off the road. While using a system drivers learn and get experienced with the dual task situation. Moderated by the usability of a specific navigation system this training may result in better dual task performance and therefore less safety problems.
Skill acquisition
This project examines skill acquisition in using navigation systems. It is expected that the improvement in performance takes the form of the power-law-of-practice which is often found with similar complex visuomotoric tasks, e.g. with the operation of aircraft cockpit controls. Parameters of a power function describing the acquisition process for a specific navigation system are an efficient way of rating and comparing the usability of navigation systems. The main study examined the learning process of experienced drivers who entered destinations while driving on a test track. In further experiments the occlusion method was used in a parking car with different driver populations. Transfer between systems and performance degradation with time were also examined.
Contact
People
Dr. Georg Jahn, Anke Mogilka, Astrid Oehme, Diana Rösler, Anett Wunderlich, Dipl.Ing. Sabine Dittrich, Dipl.Ing. Elke Schröder, Henning Kienast, Kristin Maass, Susanne Winkel, Siegfried Rothe
