Don't Worry, I'm in Control! Is Users' Trust in Automated Driving Different When Using a Continuous Ambient Light HMI Compared to an Auditory HMI?

Ambient LED displays have been used to provide peripheral light-based cues to drivers about a vehicle's current state, along with providing requests for a driver's attention or action. However, few studies have investigated the use of an ambient LED display to improve drivers' trust, perceived safety, and reactions during L3 automated driving. Due to the ambient nature of an LED lightband display, it could be anticipated that it would provide reassurance of the automation status while automation is on, along with providing a gentle cue for non-urgent transitions of control. This video submission presents a methodological overview of a driving simulator study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ambient peripheral light display (Lightband HMI) in terms of its potential to improve drivers' trust in L3 automation, along with a comparison of a Lightband and Auditory HMI in terms of their effectiveness in facilitating transitions of control.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of ambient LED displays on drivers' trust, perceived safety, and reactions during L3 automated driving. Results show that ambient LED displays can provide reassurance of automation status and facilitate non-urgent transitions of control.