User-Centered Approaches in Conventional and Autonomous Truck Design and Future Effects on Environmental Design

Abstract

Meeting the world’s increasing need for transportation today soon requires the development of autonomous vehicle systems. User-centered approaches in industrial design are crucial to advance technological, mechanical, and equipment specifications and provide effective driving experiences. This study analyzes conventional and new generation autonomous vehicles through user-centered design (UCD) and drivers’ experiences. Turkish company BMC and the new truck series “Tuğra” are selected. Participants are truck drivers, designers, engineers, and specialists. Observations and face-to-face interviews investigated comfort, usefulness, usability, desirability, accessibility, credibility, findability, and value from the elements of user experience design within the truck, as well as users’ awareness of UCD. Credibility and usability were among the highest-ranked principles. The participants provided valuable information for the design development of trucks, and ideas for future problems and solutions. Further multidisciplinary research that focuses on technical, as well as social and ethical issues is essential in this new and emerging area.