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Mixed signals: stimulus‐response compatibility and car indicator light configuration
Author(s) -
Bayliss Andrew P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
applied cognitive psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.719
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1099-0720
pISSN - 0888-4080
DOI - 10.1002/acp.1342
Subject(s) - luminance , spatial configuration , stimulus (psychology) , psychology , compatibility (geochemistry) , computer science , computer vision , human–computer interaction , artificial intelligence , cognitive psychology , engineering , mathematics , mathematical analysis , distribution (mathematics) , chemical engineering
The amber indicator lights on cars are designed to enable road users to efficiently predict the driver's next manoeuvre. Among other factors (e.g. luminance), the spatial configuration of these lights facilitates their interpretation (e.g. the right indicator flashes for right turns). However, several modern models of car confound this relationship by placing indicators medially relative to the headlights. Hence, the left indicator is placed to the right of the left headlight, for example. In two computer‐based experiments, the object‐based incompatibility that arises from this latter configuration resulted in slower, more erroneous responses to the indicated direction than for the standard configuration. These data act as a reminder to car designers that indicators, which are inherently a safety feature, should be designed with how fluently they can be processed by the human visual system in mind and not just for aesthetic appeal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.