Traffic light assistant – evaluation of information presentation

To reduce stops at traffic lights and related fuel consumption, a car driver would need information about the state of upcoming signals. Previous research has shown the potential for this (Thoma et al. 2008, Popiv et al. 2010). One aspect of the German pilot project (KOLIBRI cooperative optimization of traffic signal control) is to deliver this information to the car via already installed mobile phone networks. The information needs to be displayed to the driver while driving. So, on one hand, special care must be taken for suitability while driving; on the other hand, the interface needs a pleasant design for acceptance by the driver. In a static driving simulator, five human-machine interface designs for a smartphone were tested according to objective measurements (glance duration) and subjective ratings (SUS, AttrakDiff).