Understanding User Requirements for Creating Sensor-Powered Smart Car Cabins Through Retrofitting

TL;DR

It is proposed that retrofitting offers a promising way to complement and extend the capabilities of built-in smart cabin sensors provided by car manufacturers and a set of design recommendations to guide the future development of retrofit methods for smart car cabins are presented.

Abstract

In this paper, we explore a novel approach that leverages retrofitting to create sensor-powered smart car cabins. We propose that retrofitting offers a promising way to complement and extend the capabilities of built-in smart cabin sensors provided by car manufacturers. To understand how retrofitting solutions should be designed, we conducted a two-phase study. First, through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, we examined challenges with built-in smart cabin sensors and identified opportunities where retrofitting could address these limitations. Second, through probe-based participatory design sessions with 15 participants, we identified user requirements and expectations for effective retrofit solutions. Based on our findings, we present a set of design recommendations to guide the future development of retrofit methods for smart car cabins.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Overview of our two-phase study design. Phase 1 consisted of semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including a 10-minute general understanding session (Phase 1.1) and a 40-minute scenario-based interview (Phase 1.2). Phase 2 involved probe-based co-design sessions with 15 participants, beginning with a 15-minute in-car familiarization activity (Phase 2.1) followed by a 75-minute discussion card based co-design session (Phase 2.2).
• Figure 2: The 3D-printed sensor mockups used in our study. Each mockup includes Velcro on the back, allowing it to be attached to the Velcro strips placed at various locations inside the car interior. The set includes: (a) Camera (b) GPS (c) Microphone (d) Gesture Sensor (e) Light Sensor (f) Humidity Sensor (g) Millimeter-Wave Radar (h) Pressure Sensor (i) Temperature Sensor
• Figure 3: Participants interacted with the 3D-printed sensor mockups, experimenting with their placement in different locations inside a car.
• Figure 4: Illustration of the potential sensor installation locations identified by our participants, along with the frequency with which each location was ranked as the top choice for the sensors in this study. Results are shown separately from the perspective of the driver (left) and the passenger (right).
• Figure 5: Participants’ sketches illustrating their envisioned approaches for retrofitting sensors into the car interior. (a) P19 proposed a modular plug-and-play design in which sensors can be attached to built-in slots using snap-in clips or magnetic mounts (b) P8 proposed using augmented reality to guide users in sensor placement. (c) P3 envisioned sensors with color coding, distinct icons to convey placement information. (d) The same participants envisioned sensors equipped with unique connectors (e.g., distinct magnet patterns or slot shapes) that guide users toward making the correct connection.