Effects of Scene Detection, Scene Prediction, and Maneuver Planning Visualizations on Trust, Situation Awareness, and Cognitive Load in Highly Automated Vehicles

The successful introduction of automated vehicles (AVs) depends on the user's acceptance. To gain acceptance, the intended user must trust the technology, which itself relies on an appropriate understanding. Visualizing internal processes could aid in this. For example, the functional hierarchy of autonomous vehicles distinguishes between perception, prediction, and maneuver planning. In each of these stages, visualizations including possible uncertainties (or errors) are possible. Therefore, we report the results of an online study (N=216) comparing visualizations and their combinations on these three levels using a pre-recorded real-world video with visualizations shown on a simulated augmented reality windshield. Effects on trust, cognitive load, situation awareness, and perceived safety were measured. Situation Prediction-related visualizations were perceived as worse than the remaining levels. Based on a negative evaluation of the visualization, the abilities of the AV were also judged worse. In general, the results indicate the presence of overtrust in AVs.

CCS Concepts: • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI.