Methods for Reducing the Complexity of Driving Workplaces in Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles, such as trucks, feature a high number of vehicle functions that can lead to complex driving workplaces. To minimize driver workload and dangerous distractions, a literature review identified approaches for reducing the complexity of truck cockpit. In addition to a discussion of the resulting reduction methods such as function automation and multimodal controls, we propose a novel approach: the use of context-adaptive controls. The applicability of this approach to the domain of commercial vehicles was explored through user research consisting of qualitative interviews and a subsequent quantitative survey among truck drivers. The authors identified occurring situations during the workday of truck drivers, which are referred to as “working phases”. Furthermore, the relevance of vehicle functions was found to be significantly influenced by the current working phase. The results suggest a high potential of context adaptive systems for reducing the complexity of truck cockpits. Further exploration of such a system in future research is therefore advised.