Automotive dashboard indicator: consequences of different types of indicator to the driver / Mohd Taufik Zulkefli

Automotive dashboard indicator is a way of interaction between cars and
drivers. Located on the instrument cluster, it indicates usage of some features or
function in a type of symbol or acronym such as handbrake, lamps and also as a
warning to the driver a malfunction of some components or current condition of the
car. The introduction of new electronic or safety features also contributes to the
existence of new indicator on instrument cluster. However, some drivers are not
aware of the important usage of this indicator. Drivers who understand a certain
indicator are confused when they found a same indicator but presented in different
symbol or acronym in some models of cars. This study investigates the possible
consequences when some indicators are displayed in different symbols or
acronyms. The focus is on a possibility of confusion and distraction while driving. A
quantitative method has been used as it can easily gain results based on the
questionnaire survey into the numerical data. Regarding to the result of this study, it
is found that different types of some indicators raise confusion among drivers and
there is a need to standardize these indicators. Therefore this study will benefit the
automotive manufacturers to revise a design of indicators that can be easily
recognized and user friendly, hence will raise awareness among drivers the
importance of those indicators to assist them while driving.