Reducing the Attentional Demands of In-Vehicle Touchscreens with Stencil Overlays

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly using touchscreens to support driver access to controls. However, input mechanisms displayed on touchscreens lack the tactile sensations of physical controls, creating risks of greater demand for visual attention. These risks can potentially be mitigated by restoring some degree of tactile feedback to touchscreen interaction. This paper describes a study that examines whether touchscreen target selection during simulated driving is improved by overlaying the touchscreen with a see-through 3D printed stencil that allows underlying touchscreen controls to be located or guided by feel. Results showed that touchscreen targets were selected more quickly and with shorter periods of visual attention towards the touchscreen when the stencil was present than when it was absent. Subjective preferences also favoured the stencil condition. The work demonstrates the value of adding tactile feedback to touchscreen interaction, and shows that stencils are a simple and effective way to reduce attentional demands.