Seating configuration and position preferences in fully automated vehicles.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Engineering
• Transportation Safety

Background:

• Fully automated vehicles (FAVs) present novel challenges for interior design and occupant safety.
• Understanding user preferences for seating configurations and positions is crucial for developing user-centered FAV interiors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate user preferences for seating configurations and positions in fully automated vehicles (FAVs) across various travel scenarios.
• To identify anticipated occupant activities and willingness to use alternative restraint systems in FAVs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 552 participants across Australia, Spain, Sweden, and Lebanon.
• Participants evaluated 7 hypothetical travel scenarios, selecting seating configurations, positions, and predicting activities.
• Willingness to use different seat belt types in non-forward-facing or reclined modes was assessed.

Main Results:

• Conventional forward-facing seating configurations were preferred (40.0–76.3%).
• Seating Position A (conventional driver's seat) was the most preferred position (54.6–68.3%).
• Talking was the predominant activity when traveling with others (41.0–63.0%), while reading was common when alone (25.0%).
• High seat belt usage (95.9%) and willingness to use novel restraints (73.8–80.7%) were reported.

Conclusions:

• User preferences lean towards conventional seating arrangements even in FAVs.
• Activity patterns differ based on occupancy, influencing interior design considerations.
• Findings support the development of occupant protection systems tailored to FAVs, accommodating diverse seating and restraint preferences.