Investigating a new display format for CarPlay to decrease impact of mode change inputs

"Mobile integration" operating systems such as CarPlay, Android Auto, and Microsoft Auto allow a mobile phone user to leverage the displays and controls built into a vehicle. As these systems become more prevalent, user interfaces must be designed such that drivers can use them effectively and safely along with the "native" infotainment interface in the vehicle. Currently, the mobile operating system takes over all pixels in a vehicle's infotainment touch screen. This forces users to switch between two very different interfaces if they need to access both native and mobile-based applications. This "mode change" creates possible confusion and lack of visual momentum, which could affect driving and safety. The current paper compared the "mode change" interaction that mobile integration systems are using to a new, "windowed" design. We studied infotainment task and driving performance, visual behaviors, workload, and preferences. Results point towards the windowed design improving task performance, decreasing workload, and reducing negative impacts on driving performance. The impact of these findings and further research is discussed.