Project "TRUST" shows that sound can help users feel safe and focus on the tasks at hand when interacting with smart environments and autonomous agents. The effectiveness of the Autonomous Vehicle Assurance (AVA) system was evaluated in our XR-Prototype.
Autonomous vehicles are being designed for users to work, relax, read or take a nap. But how can we entrust our lives to autonomous systems and AI- algorithms in order to relax or focus on other things? Car manufacturers anticipate a period of technology adoption during which it will be crucial to enhance trust in autonomous vehicles, particularly for first-time users.
Autonomous Vehicle Assurance (AVA) is an assistance system that uses real- time 3D sound to help passengers in autonomous vehicles feel more confident, relaxed and able to concentrate. It has three main functions:
The AVA system informs the user with reduced, subtle and calming sound designs that tap into our subconscious perception. It does not distract, annoy or alarm the user with unnecessary urgency or redundant information.
Imagine focusing on an e-mail while driving. Subtle predictive sound cues prepare you for upcoming maneuvers. Without the need to look up, your body intuitively adapts and prepares for the vehicle's actions, preventing motion sickness and distraction from whatever you are doing.
Does the vehicle see this coming? Is it aware that the cyclist is trying to pass? Especially for new users, the system's optional situational awareness cues help them understand the system and it's capabilities.
To prove and evaluate the effectiveness, the VR prototype with immersive 3D sound was tested in an experimental laboratory study with 42 participants.
Our empirical results show that
Sound can increase trust in technology. In a world where more and more autonomous systems take the wheel for us, sound will play a central role in keeping us informed and connected to the invisible processes and decisions to which we entrust our lives and work. Sound environments can help us to focus on our personal lives by handing over routine tasks to the technologies around us.
"The collaboration proofed the crucial role of sound in designing complex but meaningful human machine interactions."