Indicating Change: Comparing Traditional and Modern Turn Signal Controls
Authors
Cornelius, Thomas Baaré ; Strøm, Jane Asp ; Pust, Oliver Esman
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-06-12
Pages
10
Abstract
As cars adopt more digital controls, even simple actions like using the turn signal are being redesigned. This study compared new ways to activate turn signals with the familiar stalk (the lever next to the steering wheel). We tested four options: steering‑wheel buttons inspired by Tesla, a design from a VW patent, a Citroën‑style pod interface, and the traditional stalk. Twenty participants drove in a simulated environment. We measured where they looked using eye‑tracking, collected System Usability Scale (SUS) scores—a standard questionnaire about perceived ease of use—and conducted interviews after each test. Across measures, the traditional stalk worked best. It demanded the least extra attention from drivers and received the highest usability ratings. Steering‑wheel buttons (Tesla‑ and VW‑style) were less intuitive and more distracting, especially at roundabouts. The Citroën‑style pod offered a middle ground with mixed feedback.
Efterhånden som biler får flere digitale betjeningsflader, bliver selv enkle handlinger som at bruge blinklyset redesignet. Dette studie sammenligner nye måder at aktivere blinklys på med den velkendte blinklysstang (håndtaget ved rattet). Vi testede fire løsninger: ratknapper inspireret af Tesla, et design fra et VW‑patent, en pod‑lignende interface som Citroën’s samt den traditionelle blinklysstang. 20 deltagere kørte i en simuleret køresituation. Vi målte, hvor de kiggede, med øjesporing, indsamlede System Usability Scale (SUS) — et standardspørgeskema om oplevet brugervenlighed — og lavede interviews efter hver test. På tværs af målingerne klarede den traditionelle blinklysstang sig bedst. Den krævede mindst ekstra opmærksomhed og fik de højeste brugervenlighedsvurderinger. Ratmonterede knapper (Tesla- og VW‑stil) var mindre intuitive og mere distraherende, især i rundkørsler. Citroën’s pod‑løsning var et kompromis med blandet feedback.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]