Virtual Reality for the Evaluation of Human-Machine-Interface in Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

This master’s thesis reports on the development of a tool intended to support the evaluation of a Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) through the use of Virtual Reality Technology. The project was initiated and supervised by SWOV, the Dutch Institute for Road Safety Research, as part of the MEDIATOR Project, which tackles the challenge of developing a mediating system between human drivers and intelligent driving systems. The design of a well-thought-out HMI is imperative to such a system. Multiple experiments, designed to evaluate the users’ interaction with the HMI and to validate its effectiveness in guaranteeing a safe and comfortable driving experience, will be conducted. Due to its unique qualities, which allow us to simulate highly detailed and interactive environments, Virtual Reality is considered useful as a tool to support product evaluation and aid in the design process. This is particularly true in the earlier design phases when the development of high fidelity prototypes is out of reach. In the first half of the graduation project, a number of research activities were conducted to gain insight into the best practices for the development of VR applications and into the requirement for a tool dedicated to facilitating the Mediator HMI design and evaluation process. The outcomes of the research result in a list of design requirements that were used as the blueprint for the conceptualisation of the final design. An iterative prototyping and evaluation process of three Minimum Viable Products (MVP) served to test initial design concepts and further inform the development of the tool. The second half of the report presents the design concept and implementation of the Mediator VR Evaluation Tool as well as the User Manual, which was created to facilitate the use of the VR tool by the Mediator design and research teams. Finally, the evaluation of the two products is described and the results of the two studies are discussed. The outcomes of this graduation project suggest that VR is effective in supporting the evaluation of the Mediator HMI.