This work explores e-textiles in the design space of Human-Vehicle Interaction (HVI) and compares distraction levels between e-textile and screen-based interactions during driving tasks. We developed three prototypes (in the steering wheel, headrest cover, and seat-belt pad) to support tactile interactions (tap, press, and swipe) with
car interior elements for non-driving applications (such as media control). Our designs used digital embroidery to achieve aesthetic design qualities and wireless connection. In a deployment study with 16 participants, we collected quantitative and qualitative data through video recording, field observations, and user interviews.
The study repeated all scenarios using screen-based interaction for comparison. Our findings present insights into fabric-based sensors including fewer collisions and a 302.7% decrease in eye distraction. These findings suggest new design opportunities, such DIS ’23, July 10–14, 2023, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Khorsandi, et al. as retrofitting existing vehicles, designing ideation toolkits for diverse users, devising an e-textile Fitts’ Law for reachability, and expanding vehicle interaction research within the HCI community.
This research is published here: https://doi-org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1145/3563657.3595988
Our designed fabric-based sensors for tactile vehicle interaction using e-textiles on car leather surfaces.
The two scenarios, i.e. city and expressway, were used for the e-textiles and screen-based interactions during the study. The left figure shows the city scenario where the participant is interacting with the steering wheel sensor,
while the right figure shows the expressway scenario where
the participant is interacting with the multitouch screen.
Acknowledgement of Funding
This project was funded by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through a Discovery Grant (2021-04135), its Discovery Supplementary Fund (2021-00310), as well as through a Queen’s University Research Initiation Grant (RIG). We acknowledge the support of Ontario Research Fund and
Canadian Foundation for Innovation for this research.