This master thesis focuses on the use of information and communication devices in vehicles and the functioning of the corresponding user interfaces. The latest devices in vehicles have a very wide range of functionalities, and in addition to operating the actual vehicle also allow for various types of communication, entertainment for the driver and passengers, and navigation. The utility and utilisation of available device functionality depends primarily on the efficiency of the user interface. This should be intuitive and simple to use, but should also cause as little distraction as possible to the primary activity, with the minimum possible cognitive load. An increase in the cognitive load results in the driver’s attention being diverted from the road, and consequently in increased danger for the driver and other road users.
Within the thesis an intuitive system for in-vehicle free-hand recognition was implemented with the use of the comercially availible Leap Motion Controller. An user experience study shows the advantages and disadvantages of the new interaction technique.
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