Optimal interface location and limits of gesture proficiency in an automobile

This paper explores the optimal location of gesture based in-vehicle technology for minimizing driver distraction, as well as the specific manipulative gestures that would accompany such gesture based in-vehicle technologies. Three different vehicle locations and ten different driver gestures were evaluated during testing. Participants in the study performed each of the gestures at all three locations, and results indicated that most individuals preferred using the steering wheel location. Participants’ responses indicated that they felt most comfortable with a repertoire of about seven gestures. Our initial findings suggest that a gesture-based interface system might be most effective when placed at the three o’clock position on the steering wheel, and when thee systems operate using a maximum of seven gestures.