Josef Krems
TU Chemnitz, Psychology, Faculty Member
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Due to age-related functional declines and changes in mobility patterns, older drivers struggle with complex traffic situations such as intersections. Innovative driver assistance systems could provide support for this group. One... more
Due to age-related functional declines and changes in mobility patterns, older drivers struggle with complex traffic situations such as intersections. Innovative driver assistance systems could provide support for this group. One assistance approach addresses older drivers’ tendency to process multiple information successively (serially) rather than simultaneously (parallel) by providing prior information about complex traffic situations. Therefore, we evaluated a contact-analogue head-up display informing drivers about the right-of-way regulation and structure of approaching intersections. Using the newly developed Surrogate Complexity Method, we examined the effects of presenting accurate and inaccurate prior information on the accuracy and speed of perceiving traffic situations in 26 older (65–85 years) and 26 younger (25–45 years) drivers. Prior information aided drivers from both age groups in identifying more relevant aspects of the intersections without increasing response time. However, experiencing system failures (inaccurate information) did offset this positive effect for the study’s duration, particularly for older drivers.
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Nowadays, technical system latencies are nearly unavoidable in Human-Computer-Interaction. However, latencies, if detected by the user, were shown to have a negative influence on experience and satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to... more
Nowadays, technical system latencies are nearly unavoidable in Human-Computer-Interaction. However, latencies, if detected by the user, were shown to have a negative influence on experience and satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to examine users’ latency perception thresholds with respect to different influencing factors empirically.
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Wearables capable of monitoring steps are important elements of behavior change interventions to increase physical activity. For intervention studies, there is currently the choice between smartphone apps and fitness trackers for... more
Wearables capable of monitoring steps are important elements of behavior change interventions to increase physical activity. For intervention studies, there is currently the choice between smartphone apps and fitness trackers for self-monitoring daily steps. We report results from a pilot study, in which younger and older participants experienced both types of devices, rated usability, and performed usability tasks. The fitness tracker, which was operated with a single touch-sensitive button, proved advantageous in subjective and objective usability. The discussion includes further aspects of the choice between smartphone apps and fitness trackers for use in interventions.
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ABSTRACT Autofahren scheint auf den ersten Blick eine einfache alltägliche Aufgabe zu sein. Ein großer Teil der Bevölkerung ist im Besitz einer Fahrerlaubnis und nutzt diese meist täglich. Unter einer kognitionspsychologischen Perspektive... more
ABSTRACT Autofahren scheint auf den ersten Blick eine einfache alltägliche Aufgabe zu sein. Ein großer Teil der Bevölkerung ist im Besitz einer Fahrerlaubnis und nutzt diese meist täglich. Unter einer kognitionspsychologischen Perspektive ist die Fahrzeugführung allerdings eine sehr komplexe Aktivität. Fahrer müssen relevante Objekte und Ereignisse der aktuellen Fahrsituation wahrnehmen und ihre Bedeutung für das eigene Verhalten erkennen. Relevant sind nicht allein andere Verkehrsteilnehmer sondern ebenso Verkehrsschilder, der Straßenbelag, die Witterungsverhältnisse, das Fahrzeug selbst usw. Für die verschiedenen Objekte und Ereignisse muss der Fahrer Vorhersagen über ihr zukünftiges Verhalten bzw. ihre bevorstehende Entwicklung treffen, um sein eigenes Verhalten entsprechend anzupassen.
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ADAPTATION is the short name of 'Drivers' behavioural ADAPTATION over the time in response to ADAS use', which was a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) funded between 2010 and 2013 under the European Commission Call:... more
ADAPTATION is the short name of 'Drivers' behavioural ADAPTATION over the time in response to ADAS use', which was a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) funded between 2010 and 2013 under the European Commission Call: FP7-PEOPLE-ITN-2008. The major objective of ADAPTATION was to improve the career perspectives of young researchers by taking part in a research programme aiming to investigating drivers' behavioural adaptation and its underlying processes over time in response to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) use. Within ten PhD projects, accompanied by two post-doctoral projects, ADAPTATION has studied drivers' behavioural adaptation from an integrated perspective working towards an integrated theoretical model of behavioural adaptation.
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Aim of this research was to better understand the impact of urban infrastructure design on people’s perceived environmental quality, perceived safety and the motivation for active mobility within the city. The requirements for walking and... more
Aim of this research was to better understand the impact of urban infrastructure design on people’s perceived environmental quality, perceived safety and the motivation for active mobility within the city. The requirements for walking and cycling infrastructure were first generated in face-to-face interviews (N = 82). Then, in a within-subject design, N = 74 participants rated six pairs of photos of urban spaces before (low infrastructure quality) and after an appropriate infrastructure redesign (high infrastructure quality). 85.1% of the participants were women. The sample had a mean age of M = 22.6 years (SD = 6.46 years, Min = 18 years, Max = 58 years). Results show that urban spaces with high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure were rated with a significantly higher perceived environmental quality (t(73) = 11.62, p < .001, d = 1.34), perceived safety (t(73) = 11.68, p < .001, d = 1.35) and motivation to walk and/or cycle (t(73) = 23.47, p < .001, d = 2.71). Although the study samples were not representative, the results suggest that human factors should be a fundamental part of transport and urban planning.
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Automatically detecting and adapting to user competence is a promising approach for advancing human-technology interaction. With the present work, we demonstrate that perceived user competence and performance can be predicted by easily... more
Automatically detecting and adapting to user competence is a promising approach for advancing human-technology interaction. With the present work, we demonstrate that perceived user competence and performance can be predicted by easily ascertainable low-level mouse interaction parameters with considerable amounts of explained variance. N = 71 users with varying competence interacted with a statistical software while mouse interaction parameters were recorded. Results showed that perceived task competence could best be predicted by clicks per second, maximum mouse velocity, and average duration of pauses > 150 ms (R2 = .39). Perceived system competence could best be predicted by clicks per second, maximum mouse acceleration, and average number of pauses > 150 ms (R2 = .28). Performance could best be predicted by clicks per second, maximum mouse velocity, and average number of pauses > 150 ms (R2 = .50). Results imply that assessing low-level mouse interaction parameters could be a feasible approach for automatic detection of user competence and performance.
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ABSTRACT In order to provide users with an optimal range-related user experience, it is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of everyday user-range interaction.For this to happen,it is important to sample a high amount of... more
ABSTRACT In order to provide users with an optimal range-related user experience, it is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of everyday user-range interaction.For this to happen,it is important to sample a high amount of situations where battery-electric vehicle (BEV) users must actively interact with the range resources of their BEV. The present contribution presentsthe methodology (i.e., a toolbox to study user- range interaction) and preliminary results of a field study that was designed to reach this objective: The BMW ActiveE long-distance commuter field trial in the area of Leipzig, Germany. Within this study, a sample of 75 customers was given the opportunity to drive a BEV for three months. Applicants were recruited via an online screening questionnaire. In order to be selected, participants had to drive at least 90km per day. A comprehensive data set was generated based on qualitative interviews, questionnaires, diary methods, and data loggers. Relevant constructs were identified and translated into items/scales or specific score definitions. Initial results show that even users who have high daily mobility needs can cope with the limited range of a BEV. However, results also point to the potential of strategies aimed at supporting users in adapting to BEV range to reach an optimal user experience even under conditions of high range demand.
Research Interests: Engineering and Toolbox
ABSTRACT The document was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings.
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The idea of transferring vehicle control to an automated system and thereby transforming from driver to passenger has raised safety concerns among potential users. To examine vehicle occupants’ perception (perceived safety and driving... more
The idea of transferring vehicle control to an automated system and thereby transforming from driver to passenger has raised safety concerns among potential users. To examine vehicle occupants’ perception (perceived safety and driving comfort, monitoring gaze behavior) of automated vehicle control in light of actual system experience, a driving simulator study with 50 participants was conducted comparing automated vs. human vehicle control from a passenger’s perspective. Automated vehicle control was perceived as less safe and comfortable, resulting in the majority of participants preferring human vehicle control. Correspondingly, participants performed more monitoring gaze behavior during automated than human vehicle control. The results underline the importance of a transparent, user-adaptive system design to create positive driving experiences especially during the first contact, thereby ensuring acceptance and usage by diverse users, who differ in their attitude towards automated vehicles.
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Fragen des Erwerbs, der Reprasentation und der Verarbeitung von Wissen werden von der psychologischen Forschung zunehmend aufgegriffen. Einer Ubersicht von Spada & Opwis (1987) ist zu entnehmen, das sich im deutschsprachigen Raum der... more
Fragen des Erwerbs, der Reprasentation und der Verarbeitung von Wissen werden von der psychologischen Forschung zunehmend aufgegriffen. Einer Ubersicht von Spada & Opwis (1987) ist zu entnehmen, das sich im deutschsprachigen Raum der Anteil der Kongresbeitrage zur Wissenspsychologie in den letzten zwei Jahren verdoppelte. Auch in den bedeutendsten internationalen Fachzeitschriften nimmt die Anzahl der Publikationen, die den Begriff Wissen in ihrem Titel fuhren stetig zu. Wurden 1970 erst etwa 350 Arbeiten zu diesem Themengebiet veroffentlicht, so stieg die Zahl im Jahre 1975 bereits auf ca. 500, erreichte 1980 einen Umfang von 800 und liegt mittlerweile bei ca. 1500 jahrlich. Bereits seit 1984 ist bei der DFG ein Schwerpunktprogramm Wissenspsychologie eingerichtet, in dem inzwischen mehr als 10 Forschungsprojekte zur Modellierung und Diagnose von Wissen, zur Interdependenz von Problemlosen und Wissen, zur Wissensintegration usw. gefordert werden. Eine kurzlich durchgefuhrte Umfrage der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Psychologie unter ihren Mitgliedern ergab, das der Kognitionspsychologie insgesamt ein wichtiger Stellenwert in der zukunftigen Forschungsausrichtung eingeraumt wird. Mogliche Forderungsziele und konkrete Formen der Forderung kognitionswissenschaftlicher Forschung werden in einem kurzlich vorgestellten Memorandum (DGfP, 1988) entwickelt. Damit ist von der psychologischen Forschung eine Schwerpunktbildung nachvollzogen, die innerhalb der KI die Wissensverarbeitung bereits seit einigen Jahren als zentrales Forschungsgebiet etablierte. Das durch die Kognitionspsychologie hervorgebrachte Forschungsergebnisse auch Relevanz fur die KI besitzen, ist — abgesehen von wenigen skeptischen Stimmen — jedenfalls die Meinung einer Reihe prominenter Autoren.
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Adaption processes become important each time a driving situation embodies one or several unfamiliar components. These processes involve a behavioural change emerging into previously established behavioural patterns. Research shows that... more
Adaption processes become important each time a driving situation embodies one or several unfamiliar components. These processes involve a behavioural change emerging into previously established behavioural patterns. Research shows that behavioural changes due to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are on a continuum ranging from an increase to a decrease in safety. This chapter reviews concepts, theoretical models as well as empirical research regarding these behavioural changes. The literature reviews showed the need for a Model capturing the most relevant factors inducing behavioural adaptation which resulted in the development of a 'Joint Conceptual Theoretical Framework (JCTF) of Behavioural Adaptation in Response to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems'. Alongside, the traditional OECD definition of behavioural adaptation to driving assistance technologies is critically discussed by investigating its main assumptions and its adequacy for current on-market and future ADAS applications.
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Automated driving needs to be comfortable to encourage the broad acceptance and usage of automated vehicles (AVs). However, current research provides limited knowledge on the descriptions and influencing factors of user comfort in... more
Automated driving needs to be comfortable to encourage the broad acceptance and usage of automated vehicles (AVs). However, current research provides limited knowledge on the descriptions and influencing factors of user comfort in automated driving, especially from the perspective of an AV’s driving styles. This paper presents results from an online workshop, in which nine experts with hands-on experience of AVs, and a long track record of research in this context, brainstormed and discussed a series of topics related to user comfort in automated driving. Results showed that a wide range of terms were used to describe user comfort and discomfort, when the attendees considered being driven by either currently available transport modes (e.g., taxi/bus/train) or higher-level AVs (with neither requiring control of the vehicle by the user). All of the terms used for existing vehicles were found to apply to AVs, but additional aspects of comfort/discomfort were revealed for AVs. This sugg...
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For a successful market introduction of Level 3 Automated Driving Systems (L3 ADS), a careful evaluation of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) is necessary. This paper describes an empirical evaluation of a checklist that has been previously... more
For a successful market introduction of Level 3 Automated Driving Systems (L3 ADS), a careful evaluation of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) is necessary. This paper describes an empirical evaluation of a checklist that has been previously developed for the use in heuristic expert assessments, demonstrating that an ADS HMI that meets the guidelines as defined in the checklist scores higher in several measures of usability and acceptance than an HMI that does not meet the checklist requirements. Therefore, N = 57 participants completed two 15-min drives with an L3 ADS in a driving simulator. They experienced two variations of a L3 ADS HMI that differed in the degree of complying with the checklist. Inferential statistics showed that acceptance and usability measures differed substantially between the two experimental HMIs. Behavioral observations of interaction performance also demonstrate that non-compliance with the checklist items lowers the usability of the L3 system.
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ABSTRACT This study investigated the role of specific and unspecific tasks for learning declarative knowledge and skills with a web based learning system. Results show that learners with specific tasks where better for both types of... more
ABSTRACT This study investigated the role of specific and unspecific tasks for learning declarative knowledge and skills with a web based learning system. Results show that learners with specific tasks where better for both types of learning. Nevertheless, not all kinds of learning outcomes were equally influenced by instruction. Therefore, instructions should be selected carefully in correspondence with desired learning goals.
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ABSTRACT The paper describes a general two-step procedure for the numerical translation of linguistic terms using parametric fuzzy potential membership functions. In an empirical study 121 participants estimated numerical values that... more
ABSTRACT The paper describes a general two-step procedure for the numerical translation of linguistic terms using parametric fuzzy potential membership functions. In an empirical study 121 participants estimated numerical values that correspond to 13 verbal probability expressions. Among the estimates are the most typical numerical equivalent and the minimal and maximal values that just correspond to the given linguistic terms. These values serve as foundation for the proposed fuzzy approach. Positions and shapes of the resulting membership functions suggest that the verbal probability expressions are not distributed equidistantly along the probability scale and vary considerably in symmetry, vagueness and overlap. Therefore we recommend the proposed empirical procedure and fuzzy approach for future investigations and applications in the area of decision support.
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ABSTRACT To reduce the high risk of young, novice drivers being involved in traffic accidents, there have been several attempts to utilize computers for driver education. Previous studies have shown promising results concerning the... more
ABSTRACT To reduce the high risk of young, novice drivers being involved in traffic accidents, there have been several attempts to utilize computers for driver education. Previous studies have shown promising results concerning the benefits of using computers for the acquisition of driving-task-related cognitive skills. However, these studies’ findings are inconclusive regarding whether using computers for driver education affects drivers’ calibration skills. Underdeveloped calibration skills are considered to be an important reason explaining why young, novice drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident relative to other drivers. To examine the effects of computer-based learning in driver education on drivers’ calibration skills, we provided student drivers (N = 38) with two different types of learning material (computer-based vs. paper-based, approximately 90 min in duration). Two days later, we presented them with a driving simulator task. Right before the test, the participants were asked to predict the likelihood that they would be able to successfully implement their newly acquired competencies. We chose “anticipatory recognition of hazardous traffic situations” as the learning objective to examine both facets of calibration: accuracy of assessing driving tasks (situational or risk awareness) and accuracy of driving-task-related self-assessments (self-efficacy, state awareness). The analysis of participant’s gaze data confirmed our expectation that student drivers who used computer-based learning material would not only detect situation-specific hazard cues sooner but would also demonstrate better comprehension of the information they perceived. Contrary to our expectations, the computer-based learning did not lead to more accurate predictions of test performance. However, it increased the insecurities of the participants, thereby reducing the risk that these student drivers would overestimate their own competence. Because using computers helps student drivers to develop better hazard-perception skills and more defensive self-efficacy expectations, the implementation of computers in driver education is more likely to support safe behavioral patterns in traffic than conventional methods.
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Research Interests: Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Decision Making, Cognition, and 15 moreAdolescent, Individual Differences, Information, Humans, Female, Decay, Capacity, Abductive Reasoning, Adult, Analysis of Variance, Cognitive Model, Experimental Tests, Long Term Memory, Hypothesis Generation, and Integrated Theory
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Lane changing actions in urban traffic can be highly risky. Drivers need to choose gaps in traffic flow adequately and synchronize their driving behavior with directly surrounding vehicles. Especially in urgent cases such as an... more
Lane changing actions in urban traffic can be highly risky. Drivers need to choose gaps in traffic flow adequately and synchronize their driving behavior with directly surrounding vehicles. Especially in urgent cases such as an approaching emergency vehicle, successful and safe lane changes are of high value. Automating vehicles as well as the use of innovative communication technologies could reduce this potential hazard, as advanced vehicles will be able to cooperate and negotiate maneuvers efficiently. Making these processes transparent and comprehensible to the driver is not only inevitable for the acceptance of these innovations, but in consequence also for establishing a safer and more efficient traffic. For this purpose, two different human machine interface (HMI) concepts for users of highly automated connected vehicles as well as for non-automated connected vehicles have been developed and evaluated w.r.t. usability aspects, acceptability and subjective workload.
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The use of advanced in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) and other complex devices such as smartphones while driving can lead to driver distraction, which, in turn, increases safety-critical event risk. Therefore, using methods for... more
The use of advanced in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) and other complex devices such as smartphones while driving can lead to driver distraction, which, in turn, increases safety-critical event risk. Therefore, using methods for measuring driver distraction caused by IVIS is crucial when developing new in-vehicle systems. In this paper, we present the setup and implementation of the Box Task combined with a Detection Response Task (BT+DRT) as a tool to assess visual-manual and cognitive distraction effects. The BT+DRT represents a low-cost and easy-to-use method which can be easily implemented by researchers in laboratory settings and which was validated in previous research. Moreover, at the end of this paper we describe the experimental procedure, the data analysis and discuss potential modifications of the method.• The setup and implementation of the Box Task combined with a Detection Response Task (BT+DRT) is described.• The method allows for measuring visual-manual and cognitive distraction of drivers.• The BT+DRT is a cost-effective and easy-to-use method that can be implemented in laboratory settings or driving simulators.