Comparing an Innovative 3D and a Standard 2D User Interface for Automotive Infotainment Applications

Abstract

In this work we present the results of a comparative user study of two radically different user interfaces for controlling infotainment applications in an automotive environment: a standard 2D interface and an innovative 3D interface. Based on a generic multimodal architecture, both systems can be operated by conventional key-console and touch-screen as well as by natural speech and dynamic hand and head gestures. Inspired by the advantages of classical Virtual-Reality interfaces, the idea of the new 3D design approach is to increase the overall usability when interacting with complex in-car information systems by applying pleasing display patterns. In a series of usability experiments we have evaluated both interfaces with regard to typical operation tasks in a simulated driving scenario. Thereby, we have found out that none of the two interface alternatives has clearly been preferred in general, but concerning selected design elements and the joy of use, the 3D visual front-end obtained significantly better ratings.