Presentation
Driving Beyond Just Safety: Investigating Multi-Sensory Stimuli for Enhancing Driver Well-Being
DescriptionEnhancing in-vehicle experiences can improve driver well-being by balancing vigilance and emotional regulation, and result in better driving performance. This study investigates the effects of multi-sensory stimulation – light, music, scent, temperature, and vibration – on driver vigilance and mood in a simulated driving environment. Twenty-six participants viewed a monotonous nighttime driving video inside a stationary vehicle, while physiological (heart rate and heart rate variability) and subjective data were collected across five time segments: baseline, early and late stimulation, and early and late post-stimulation. During stimulation, participants reported significantly higher alertness and mood, accompanied by decreased heart rate and increased heart rate variability – typically associated with lower vigilance. After stimuli removal, both subjective and physiological indicators returned to baseline levels, highlighting a temporary effect of stimulation. The findings raise questions about the dissociation between subjective vigilance and physiological responses, possibly due to heightened sensory engagement or psychological compensation. This research provides a more comprehensive understanding of the role of multi-sensory interventions in promoting driver well-being without cognitive overload. Future work should explore long-term effects, real-world validation, and personalization of sensory input. Study insights may support the development of adaptive in-vehicle systems helping moderate driver engagement in future automated vehicles.
Event Type
Industry/Practitioner Content
Lecture
TimeFriday, October 17th8am - 8:20am CDT
LocationGrand A
Perception and Performance