Elevating User Experience for Thailand Drivers: Dash-Board Design Analysis in Electric Vehicles

Authors: Poom Thiparpakul, Tanat Jiravansirikul, Pakpoom Thongsari

Abstract:

This study explores the design of electric vehicle (EV) dashboards with a focus on user interaction. Findings from a Thai sample reveal a preference for physical buttons over touch interfaces due to their immediate feedback. Touchscreens lack this assurance, leading to potential uncertainty. Users' smartphone experiences create a learning curve that does not translate well to in-car touch systems. Gender-wise, females exhibit slightly longer decision times. Designing EV dashboards should consider these factors, prioritizing user experience while avoiding overreliance on smartphone principles. A successful example is Subaru XV's design, which calculates screen angles and button positions for targeted users. In summary, EV dashboards should be intuitive, minimize touch dependency, and accommodate user habits. Balancing modernity with functionality can enhance driving experiences while ensuring safety. A user-centered approach, acknowledging gender differences, will yield efficient and safe driving environments.

Keywords: User Experience Design, User Experience, Electric Vehicle, Dashboard Design, Thailand driver.

References:

[1] Distner, M., Bengtsson, M., Broberg, T., & Lotta Jakobsson. (2009). City Safety - A System Addressing Rear-End Collisions at Low Speeds. 2009.
[2] François, M., Crave, P., Osiurak, F., Fort, A., & Navarro, J. (2017). Digital, analogue, or redundant speedometers for truck driving: Impact on visual distraction, efficiency, and usability. Applied Ergonomics, 65, 12–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2017.05.013
[3] François, M., Osiurak, F., Fort, A., Crave, P., & Navarro, J. (2021). Usability and acceptance of truck dashboards designed by drivers: Two participatory design approaches compared to a user-centered design. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 81, 103073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2020.103073
[4] Persson, L., & Rundqvist, M. (2007). Design of instrument cluster for automobiles (Dissertation). Retrieved from http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-42821
[5] Phansawat, P., & Phaitoonpong, P. (2020, September 23). Evolution of Car Instrumentation Design. Personal communication.
[6] Söderholm, A. (2022). Investigating the Impact of Electric Car Instrument Cluster Design on Driver Safety. Vibilagare News Agency, Sweden.
[7] Tanaratnirattasai, T., & Tanatep, T. (2022, July 10). Designing Car Interiors for Vehicles Sold in Thailand. Personal communication.