ERGONOMIC APPROACH TO ON-BOARD SYSTEMS

Without doubt the driver is centrali in automotive ergonomics. Sensory input, cognitive processes, habits, and emotions all play a role in using on-board products and services while driving. Drivers have to manage these two demanding concurrent tasks: driving the vehicle and performing activities more or less related to driving itself. At the same time, the driver has to take into account the environment which dynamically changes with changing traffic situations, weather conditions, ambient light and road types. In this paper a brief overview of the Cognitive Ergonomics group activities of the Centro Ricerche Fiat is presented. Focus is on applied research on users expectations, needs, habits, and perceptual and cognitive processes involved in the use of on-board systems while driving. Aim is to contribute to the designing process and to improve on-board devices and services usability, enhancing driving safety and minimizing driver distraction.