One Solution Fits All? Evaluating Different Communication Strategies of a Light-based External Human-Machine...

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Transportation engineering
• Road safety

Background:

• Automated vehicles (AVs) will increasingly interact with pedestrians, a vulnerable road user group.
• Effective communication is crucial for pedestrian safety, especially with larger vehicles.
• External human-machine interfaces (eHMIs) offer a potential solution for AV-pedestrian communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the effectiveness of light-based eHMIs on differently sized AVs (car, bus).
• Compare pedestrian perceptions of static versus dynamic eHMI communication strategies.
• Assess the impact of eHMI design on traffic safety in low-speed scenarios.

Main Methods:

• An online experimental study with 155 participants.
• Evaluation of a light-based eHMI with static and dynamic strategies.
• Comparison of pedestrian perceptions for automated cars and buses.

Main Results:

• Automated cars were perceived as safer and more positive than automated buses.
• No significant differences in eHMI communication effectiveness were found between car and bus sizes.
• Dynamic eHMIs were perceived as safer and more positive than static or no eHMI.

Conclusions:

• Light-based eHMIs positively influence pedestrian interaction with AVs of varying sizes.
• Dynamic eHMI designs enhance perceived safety and affective ratings.
• eHMIs can contribute to improved overall traffic safety in future mixed AV-human traffic environments.