The report identifies driver preferences for secondary controls (headlights on/off, horn, etc.). A total of 103 drivers sat in a mockup of a sports car with a "pod like" instrument panel covered with velcro (registered trademark). Drivers designed instrument panels by placing the switches they preferred for 24 functions where they wanted them. There were 255 switch designs (stalk controls, pushbuttons, etc.) to choose among. Drivers also identified the motion that should be used to operate each control and provided comments. When the design was complete, drivers reached for each control while operating a driving simulator. Drivers preferred the stalk position for headlight controls, front wiper and wash, and turn signals. The steering wheel was preferred for cruise controls and the horn, while the lower right dash was selected for hazard. For new controls (suspension adjust, steering adjust) driver preferences for location were not consistent. (A)
Abstract