Comparative Study on the Effects of W-HUD and AR-HUD on Driver Behavior Based on Cognitive Load Theory

Currently, W-HUD and AR-HUD are the two dominant HUDs. Although driving with HUD assistance improves safety and driver concentration, its effect on cognitive load is still unclear. This research aimed to methodically evaluate and scrutinize how W-HUD and AR-HUD influence the drivers’ cognitive load and identify the most efficient HUD system for lessening the drivers’ cognitive load. The experiment was designed to measure the subjects’ behavioral performance on three different tasks: turning, altering speed, and identifying obstacles under the same road conditions. At the end of the experiment, the subjects filled in the NASA-TLX scale for each of the two HUDs for subjective evaluation. The results showed that drivers’ cognitive load was lower when using the AR-HUD than the W-HUD and that drivers subjectively preferred to use the AR-HUD to assist driving. The results serve as a crucial guide for creating safer, more efficient in-vehicle information systems, aiding in wider application and upgrade iteration of HUD.