Sonic Interaction in Intelligent Cars

Purpose and goal

The introduction of automated vehicles (SAE level 4-5) represents a radical shift in the interaction between the vehicles and their users. Information and functions that were previously useful may no longer serve a purpose, while new information and interactions may need to be implemented. The main goal of this project was to explore how interaction through sound can be used to support trust, comfort, and safety for users in future autonomous vehicles. The project sought answers to the following key questions:

1. What roles do interactive sounds play in future unsupervised automated driving?

2. Can usefulness, and the users' sense of trust, safety and comfort in vehicles be affected by sonic interaction?

3. How do different sound designs and sound generation methods affect people's behavior, mood, emotions and well-being in the vehicle?

Challenge

Today, there is limited knowledge about how interaction design and sound design should be formulated for autonomous vehicles. The challenges in this project consisted partly of understanding users' future needs. Additionally, a challenge was to find suitable solutions for sound interaction and to test these solutions in a way that yields reliable results.

Solution

The project developed a framework for sound design tailored for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, design concepts and prototypes were created and tested in VR environments and in test vehicles on a test track. Based on the results from the project's studies, we observed that sound has the potential to increase trust in autonomous vehicles and reduce motion sickness during travel.

Effect

The project generated entirely new insights into the significance and potential of sound to enhance the user experience in future vehicles. It produced guidelines, demonstrative materials, prototypes, and research publications that can guide developers and manufacturers in the future use of sound. In the long term, this could contribute to increased acceptance of efficient and safe autonomous vehicles, which could have positive effects on traffic safety and the environment.

More information

Public report: https://www.vinnova.se/globalassets/mikrosajter/ffi/dokument/slutrappor…