Can Haptics Facilitate Interaction with an In-Vehicle Multifunctional Interface?

A driving simulator study was conducted to investigate whether interaction with an in-vehicle multifunctional interface maneuvered by a rotary control can be improved if assisting haptics is provided. Two conditions were compared in the study, one in which neutral haptics was provided through the rotary control and another in which enhanced haptics was provided. Participants drove on a curved rural road while performing tasks such as list scrolling, radio tuning, address and number entry, and sound settings adjustments. When enhanced haptics was provided, the radio tuning was faster and fewer glances to the display were required, and the sound settings adjustments were completed with a reduced duration of the glances. However, improvements are needed for the other tasks. Enhanced haptics seems to facilitate interaction with functions in which the sensations can be incorporated in an intuitive way.