Human-machine interface (HMI) design to manage driver engagement in automated vehicles

Overview

https://research.qut.edu.au/carrsq/https://research.qut.edu.au/carrsq/

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the Empathic Machines project as an HCI/HMI PhD Researcher. This interdisciplinary research project, conducted in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Seeing Machines, aims to explore the concept of empathic machines in the context of driver monitoring systems (DMS) and automated driving. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the understanding of human-machine interaction, interface design, and attention sharing to enhance safety and user experience in automated vehicles.

A PhD scholarship is available for this project.

Learn more about the scholarship

Research activities

• conduct comprehensive literature reviews to understand the current state of HCI/HMI research, focusing on driver engagement and attention sharing in autonomous driving contexts
• collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams from QUT and Seeing Machines to integrate findings from other PhD projects into the broader research objectives
• work closely with industry partner Seeing Machines to gain insights into driver monitoring systems and leverage their expertise in interface design
• conduct empirical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of different HMI designs in sharing attention between drivers and autonomous systems
• analyze qualitative and quantitative data obtained from user studies to gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and challenges
• collaborate with other PhD researchers to support interdisciplinary learning and foster a cohesive research environment
• publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at relevant conferences and workshops
• contribute to the preparation of research reports, project documentation, and funding proposals
• engage in regular progress reporting and participate in supervision and mentoring activities.

Outcomes

• contribute to the development of guidelines and best practices for designing intuitive and effective HMIs in autonomous vehicles
• design and develop novel techniques and interfaces for monitoring and assessing driver engagement in L2-L4 driving environments.

Skills and experience

• a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or a related discipline
• strong research background in HCI/HMI, interface design, or a relevant field
• familiarity with research methods in HCI, including user-centered design, usability testing, and user experience evaluation
• proficiency in design and prototyping tools
• experience in conducting empirical studies involving user participants, preferably in the field of human-automation interaction
• knowledge of driver monitoring systems and their applications in automated driving is desirable
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate user insights into actionable design recommendations
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for presenting research findings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
• ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• demonstrated publication record (or potential) in peer-reviewed conferences or journals is advantageous.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• HMI design
• automated vehicles
• attention management
• situation awareness
• automotive user interfaces

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.