Assessing the Compliance of Telematics Automotive Products with the European Principles of Human–Machine Interaction

Abstract

In December 1999, the European Commission adopted the European ‘Statement of Principles’ (SoP) in acknowledgement of the importance of the human-machine interaction (HMI) for in-vehicle telematics. In recommending adherence to the Statement of Principles, the EC urges the European motor manufacturing and supply industries to comply with a number of basic safety requirements concerning the design of, and driver interaction with, in-vehicle information, communication and entertainment systems. When the SoP was published, Member States were invited to undertake work to assess industry knowledge about, and compliance with, the Statement of Principles. TRL are currently undertaking this work for the UK Government in support of their work to assess the impact of the SoP and develop future policies concerning HMI. This paper discusses the results of a widespread UK consultation with individuals identified as working in the field of in-vehicle information, communication and entertainment systems (IVIS). It also outlines work undertaken to establish a method for assessing the extent to which a specific IVIS complies with the SoP. It describes the development and design of a HMI safety checklist that can provide an initial assessment of whether a specific IVIS is in accordance with the Principles.