Reimagining Commute Time For Shared Autonomous Vehicles
This research investigates the socio-technical transition within urban transportation driven by the emergence of autonomous vehicles, with a particular focus on shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) as a means to redefine urban mobility. Adopting a socio-technical transition perspective, the study explores technological innovations, cultural shifts, market dynamics, and user preferences to understand the forces shaping this transition. Key design challenges, such as motion sickness and user acceptance, are addressed through human-centred design principles to enhance the in-vehicle user experience.
Using a qualitative research approach, the study identifies critical pain points and opportunities to improve passenger comfort, productivity, and well-being within SAVs. As drivers transition from active operators to passengers, a rise in unconventional in-vehicle activities is anticipated, potentially increasing the prevalence of motion sickness. To address this, the research proposes speculative user centered design interventions aimed at mitigating motion sickness and improving usability, thereby supporting wider acceptance of SAVs. The proposed solutions contribute to the development of sustainable, user-centric mobility systems that align with the evolving needs of modern urban transportation.
