Evaluation of Display Configuration and Seat Orientation Considering Various Automated Driving Situations Using a Vehicle Simulator

This study examines vehicle interiors in terms of display configuration and seat orientation from a user experience viewpoint using a driving simulator. Sixteen volunteers were sat in the driver’s seat to evaluate visibility and mental comfort scores of three display configurations used in the vehicle (i.e., floating, flush, and large display). Another sixteen volunteers were sat in the passenger’s seat to evaluate mental and physical comfort scores of three seat orientations (i.e., forward-facing, 15° inboard, and rear-facing seats). The display configurations were evaluated in the movie-watching, the driving-monitoring, and the control takeover situations, while the seat orientations were evaluated in the movie-watching, the conversation, and the driving-monitoring situations. The large display enhanced for movie-watching. However, it was found to be unsuitable for driving-monitoring. The rear-facing and 15° inboard seats were more suited to the conversation situation from the physical comfort viewpoint. The rear-facing seat was found to be unsuitable from the mental comfort viewpoint in the driving-monitoring situation. The effect on drivers and passengers was different depending on the vehicle interiors and the situations. A thoughtful selection of display configuration and seat orientation, considering the context, is vital to enhance driver and passenger comfort. These findings could aid future user-centric vehicle development.