Integrated evaluation of hardware and software interfaces for automotive human–machine interaction

In this work, the authors have developed an integrated evaluation hierarchy for automotive human–machine interaction (HMI) software/hardware interfaces and a corresponding set of integrated evaluation carriers and decision modes, to improve the interactive experience and usability of HMI interfaces, evaluation node management in R&D processes, and the integral quality of hardware and software components. In addition, a case study where the integrated evaluation was performed on rapidly prototyped electric automotive user interfaces was utilised to demonstrate the evaluation of integral conceptual themes and system frameworks based on rapid prototypes. It was shown that the evaluation of integrated software/hardware electric automotive interfaces via rapid prototyping aids the communication and organisation of design concepts, thus enhancing the design quality.