Exploring end-user experiences: self-perceived notions on use of adaptive cruise control systems

Journal article, 2011

This study explores end-user experiences of adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems. A qualitative approach has been applied and data have been collected by means of focus group interviews. A qualitative content analysis was carried out to analyse and interpret collected data. In total the study consists of three focus group sessions with five to seven participants in each. Themes explored include interaction between user and system, functional limitations and trust, and system effects on driving behaviour. Key findings include reported driving behaviour changes as, for instance, an increasing tendency to stay in the right lane as well as users' conception of system functionality from which it can be concluded that end-users of ACC carry rough mental models of the system. A potentially hazardous situation for other road-users following the use of ACC is highlighted and discussed. In addition, some features desired by the end-users are discussed, for example, the call for conventional cruise control functionality when owing to weather conditions functional limitations are apparent.