What are some innovative HMI design solutions for autonomous vehicles and drones?

1 Voice and gesture control

One of the most natural and convenient ways to communicate with autonomous vehicles and drones is through voice and gesture control. These modalities allow users to issue commands, ask questions, adjust settings and receive feedback without touching a screen or a button. Voice and gesture control can also enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of HMI design, as they can accommodate different languages, preferences and abilities. For example, some autonomous vehicles use voice recognition to authenticate drivers, adjust the interior environment and provide navigation assistance. Some drones use gesture control to follow the user, take photos or videos, or land safely.

2 Augmented and virtual reality

Another way to enhance the interaction and immersion of users with autonomous vehicles and drones is through augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR). These technologies can create realistic and engaging visualizations of the environment, the vehicle or the drone, and the data or feedback they generate. AR and VR can also enable users to remotely control, monitor and troubleshoot autonomous vehicles and drones, or to experience different scenarios and simulations. For example, some autonomous vehicles use AR to project information and alerts on the windshield, or to create virtual passengers or guides. Some drones use VR to stream live video or 3D models to the user's headset or smartphone.

3 Haptic and tactile feedback

A third way to improve the user experience and satisfaction of autonomous vehicles and drones is through haptic and tactile feedback. These types of feedback can provide physical sensations, such as vibrations, pulses, forces or textures, that convey information, emotions or responses. Haptic and tactile feedback can also complement or substitute other modalities, such as voice or vision, when they are not available or appropriate. For example, some autonomous vehicles use haptic feedback to alert drivers of potential hazards, to indicate lane changes or to simulate road conditions. Some drones use tactile feedback to communicate their status, battery level or proximity to obstacles.

4 Adaptive and personalized interfaces

A fourth way to optimize the performance and functionality of autonomous vehicles and drones is through adaptive and personalized interfaces. These interfaces can adjust to the user's preferences, needs, goals and context, as well as to the vehicle's or drone's capabilities, limitations and conditions. Adaptive and personalized interfaces can also learn from the user's behavior, feedback and data, and provide suggestions, recommendations or assistance. For example, some autonomous vehicles use adaptive interfaces to switch between manual and autonomous modes, to customize the dashboard or the entertainment system, or to offer services or rewards. Some drones use personalized interfaces to recognize the user's face, voice or gestures, to adapt to the user's skill level or style, or to offer different modes or features.

5 Ethical and transparent design

A fifth and final way to ensure the trust and acceptance of autonomous vehicles and drones is through ethical and transparent design. This means that the HMI design should respect the user's privacy, security, autonomy and dignity, as well as the social and environmental impact of the technology. Ethical and transparent design should also inform the user of the goals, actions and outcomes of the autonomous vehicle or drone, and allow the user to intervene, override or question them. For example, some autonomous vehicles use ethical and transparent design to explain the rationale behind their decisions, to provide feedback on their performance or errors, or to request consent or confirmation. Some drones use ethical and transparent design to disclose their identity, purpose and data collection, to avoid intruding or harming others, or to comply with regulations and norms.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?