DISSERTATION

Making Sense of Making Sense

Automated vehicles (AVs) are vehicles equipped with technology that can take over parts or all of the driving task and have the potential to improve the safety and comfort for the user. However, the introduction of automation creates a situation where the user and AV needs to cooperate to perform the driving, which makes it very important for the user to understand how to use the AV in order to gain the potential benefits. The work presented in this thesis explores how users interpret and understand AVs when using them, to generate knowledge that can support the development of AVs that are safely used and accepted by users.
The findings from three user studies illustrate that users have a complex understanding of AVs that encompasses what the AV is and how and where to use it. This understanding is developed through a process which involves making sense of past experiences, instructions, information provided by the AV through e.g. in-vehicle displays and driving behaviour as well as its interaction with the environment it is used in. Based on the findings, design considerations that can support the design process are proposed. The insights from the three user studies highlight the need to broaden the perspective on human-machine interaction as well as develop the information provided e.g. by instructions and by the AV itself in a consistent and coherent way.