System ergonomics of the vehicle

The flow of information between driver and vehicle plays the dominant role in the safe handling of automobiles. The investigation and description of this flow of information is the subject of the so-called system ergonomics. The starting point for the consideration is the function lying in the task. Decisive for the driver's ability to cope in the technical environment is the appropriate feedback on the success of the action and the ease of the transition between the mentally present action goal and the action necessary for its realisation (compatibility). These fundamental considerations are the basis for the design of displays and operating elements whose correct use depends on the different levels of the driving task. Since the vehicle looks like an extension of the driver's hands and feet from a system ergonomics point of view, the design of the driving-relevant characteristics is the special focus of the system ergonomics consideration. In particular, the steering feel and the feeling of the longitudinal dynamics are investigated. Modern possibilities of X-by-Wire are also the subject of consideration.