A Survey Study on the User Experience of the Semi-Autonomous Driving Functions in Passenger Cars

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the user experience of semiautonomous driving functions of passenger cars with autonomous driving level 2 or higher, identify problems, and suggest directions for improving current semiautonomous driving functions.<br/>Background: Semi-autonomous passenger cars are already widely available to the general public, but there has been little research on users' experiences with these functions. In order to popularize autonomous driving functions and increase satisfaction, it is needed to conduct research on users' experiences with currently used semi-autonomous driving functions.<br/>Method: A survey was conducted to investigate the user experience of the semi-autonomous driving function. The survey was conducted on 120 drivers of vehicles with autonomous driving level 2 or higher in Korea. The survey was conducted for two months using Google Survey. After completing the survey, 10 of the survey participants were selected and in-depth interviews were conducted. Listened to specific impressions and detailed experiences regarding the experience of using the semi-autonomous driving function, and collected opinions on problems and improvement measures felt while using the function.<br/>Results: The semi-autonomous driving functions were evaluated as helpful and useful for driving, but it was found that there were a significant number of drivers who did not use the semi-autonomous driving functions even though they were available. The main factor was the anxiety felt when using the semi-autonomous driving function, and the difference between the driving pattern of the semi-autonomous vehicle and the driver's expectations was identified as the main cause of anxiety. In particular, drivers with safe and conservative driving habits, such as the elderly and women, feel more anxious about the semi-autonomous driving function, and differences in trust and knowledge about the function are believed to be factors that hinder its use.<br/>Conclusion: It is necessary to improve semi-autonomous driving functions that reflect user characteristics to reduce users' anxiety, and it is also necessary to provide ways to learn and train on semi-autonomous driving functions.<br/>Application: The results of this study are expected to be helpful in research to provide a better user experience by improving current semi-autonomous driving functions.