Human Factors Issues Associated with in-Car Navigation System Usage

Two research studies were recently performed to evaluate and test human factors aspects of a commercially available in-car navigation system. The first study addressed the driver visual attentional demand requirements of the system and its effects on driving performance and behavior. The second study addressed the effectiveness of the system as a navigation tool as well as methodological aspects of navigation. The results of the first study indicate that several tasks performed during navigation required high visual attentional demand. Design changes are discussed which would likely reduce this demand. The results of the second study indicate that drivers are able to navigate effectively using the device. However, results also show that scan patterns are changed when the device is in-use.