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Usability Improvements

Context​

This milestone focused on improving the application's digital accessibility and overall usability. The goal was to make interactions clearer, safer, and more comfortable in real driving contexts, while also reducing barriers for users with specific accessibility needs.

Goals​

The main objectives of this phase were:

  1. Improve access to critical information without requiring constant visual attention.
  2. Give users more control over which alerts they receive and how they are delivered.
  3. Reduce language barriers by adapting the interface to the vehicle's configured language.
  4. Improve visual perception for users with color vision limitations.

Implemented Improvements​

Text-to-Speech Alerts​

All alerts now include text-to-speech support. This allows users to receive important information without looking at the screen, helping them keep their attention on the road and improving safety during driving.

Alert Filtering​

Users can now disable specific alert categories, receiving only the notifications they consider relevant. Additionally, it is possible to disable only the text-to-speech output for selected alerts, allowing each user to fine-tune sound feedback and avoid unnecessary audio interruptions.

Multi-Language Support​

The system now supports multiple languages. It uses the AutomotiveOS language configuration to automatically adapt the app text to the vehicle's current system language. This improves accessibility and adoption, especially for users who are not comfortable with the previous default language.

Colorblind Mode​

A colorblind mode was implemented to improve visual clarity for users with difficulty distinguishing colors such as red and green. This mode improves the readability of critical interface elements and helps users identify important states more reliably. The palette was evaluated using Windows colorblind filters to simulate different visual conditions and select more distinguishable color combinations.

Impact​

These improvements increased user control, reduced cognitive load, and made key alerts more accessible in real-world usage conditions. Together, they contribute to a safer and more inclusive in-vehicle experience.

Tutors:

Group:

Institution: Telecommunications Institute of Aveiro (ITAv)