Introduction
Because people spend so much time in cars every day, manufacturers are working hard to make those journeys safer and more pleasant. HMI technology, also known as the human-machine interaction, is largely used to achieve this.
Although each automaker’s version is unique, there are some trends in HMI design and development that permeate nearly every brand’s philosophy.
increased speech usage
Speech has the greatest potential to affect how drivers interact with their vehicles and the world around them. Recent advancements in speech recognition technology allow for the use of natural language to control many elements of a car via its automotive HMI. It has advanced significantly from the early days of Bluetooth conversations, enabling drivers to do things like find video, change the temperature, and even make appointments or place orders at restaurants without making a phone call.
The next cutting-edge innovation is indirect voice control, which uses cues like a traveler stating, “I’m cold,” to change the climate for that person’s comfort.
Unlike VR video games, augmented reality (AR) does not require the user to don any extra apparatus. The development of augmented reality has led to smaller, less intrusive technology that easily fits into a driver’s daily activities. The use of head-up displays (HUDs), which give drivers crucial working and directional information without requiring them to glance away from the road, is growing.
Research on full-windshield virtual reality screens has been ongoing for some time.
When this technology becomes widely available, it will have a significant impact on how vehicles are warned about dangers and given easy access to directions or point-of-interest recognition. The closest recharge point might be visible to the motorist if the battery in an EV is getting low. Even automakers and vendors can do that to promote or support their services.
safety first strategy
While every advancement in automobile HMI has some bearing on safety, either directly or indirectly, advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) technologies are probably the most crucial. Recently, the capacity of the driver to understand feelings other than ocular signals has drawn a lot of focus. In reality, tactile or auditory signals are processed more readily in anxious circumstances.
Accidents are more likely to be prevented by safety-focused gadgets like steering wheel sensations or auditory tones combined with caution indicators. The main goal of ADAS HMI systems, which are supported by numerous sensors and cams positioned all around a car, is to save lives.
no-distraction usage
Automakers plan to implement automated driving in the upcoming years, and HMI development and businesses that offer bespoke vehicle HMI development services will be essential to making that happen. A small percentage of vehicles are currently trying to get around some of the devices.
In order to make sure that drivers are focused on their responsibility as workers behind the wheel, driver tracking devices have been a focal point. In-car cameras from General Motors, Tesla, Subaru, Ford, and Toyota assess a driver’s alertness, issuing warnings if they are preoccupied or suggesting a break if they look drowsy.
enhanced drawing efficiency
The demand for more feature-rich, contemporary-looking car HMIs is increasing, but in order to produce more complex visuals, graphical algorithms must be enhanced. Consumers will soon expect 3D graphics that are on par with those found in video games in their cars. Therefore, it’s crucial to use the appropriate design tools, which let you create more intricate 3D and AR designs.
It will also be possible to generate high-quality and high-performance visuals on car SoCs by utilizing existing graphical APIs like Vulkan.
Numerous pieces have been published about the requirement of developing goods that attempt to customize the driving experience. There aren’t many products that enable it, though, on the market.
Unfortunately, personalization is not offered by many HMIs today. They instead offer customization. Users of these platforms can only modify a small number of settings. Even though the system gives users the option to change preset options, most users do not, making it a subpar answer. If you consider the tastes of your consumers when designing the HMI, you can give them a more pleasant driving experience.
Examples
Here are some examples of how understanding user behavior can enhance the user experience:
By consulting the user to determine the ideal temperature, the system ensures that they are at a pleasant level. When the system asks the user, “Are you warm enough?,” the user may reply, “I prefer warmer.” The temperature is then adjusted by the gadget, and your selection is saved. The algorithm can make recommendations for content, locations, or activities based on the user’s preferences. For instance, the algorithm can suggest new tracks and audio based on the user’s preferences. The system can automatically engage seat massage and alert the user (for example, “For your comfort, I’ve activated the classic massage”) when it recognizes that the user is doing so under specific circumstances (for example, following a lengthy workweek, during a long journey, etc.). One of the more time-consuming tasks in contemporary vehicles is selecting a massage style, so this smart mechanization can help users.
Clearly visible directions
Users should have no trouble locating the necessary features. Priority should be given to discoverability (the capacity to find a specific place within a system) and travel experience (the capacity to reach that point). Many modern cars demand far too many touches from the user in order to complete tasks.
By thoroughly contemplating your system’s information design, such situations can be prevented.
You must first specify the regions that users will explore (such as suspension, temperature control, amusement system, and other car options). These places will act as information centers from which users can access more in-depth navigational information. You then need to split up the necessary functions among them and make sure that users can only reach each function with three touches.
Conclusion
The future of transportation will appear very different in ten years. The development of custom vehicle HMI continues to be a focus for manufacturers globally, as does the development of technology to improve in-car operability and safety. These are just a few patterns that many people will probably follow during that time.