Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Noah F. Clark, Senior Shawn Mathura, Sarah A. Bailey, Senior Paul Seal, Brandon Ibarra, Kailey Hrbek, Carissa Aumack, Kevin Sun, Olivia H. Honan, Kelly H. Nguyen, Senior Caroline Deck, Graduate student Brandon D. Dreslin, Graduate student
Lead Presenter's Name
Noah Clark
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Alex Chaparro
Abstract
Older adults (OAs) and drivers with disabilities (DwDs) often encounter challenges when customizing vehicle features (e.g., seat adjustment, lighting, climate control) because existing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) may not be designed to accommodate diverse sensory, motor, and cognitive capabilities. HarmonIQ is a biometric-based, user-centered vehicle customization system designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity for OAs and DwDs, developed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in collaboration with Bethune-Cookman University (BCU). This research, supported in part by the EcoCAR Electric Vehicle Challenge, builds on Fall 2024 proofs-of-concept and Spring 2025 initial development of HarmonIQ and its components, namely the driver profile software and the assistive knob attachment. Several human factors issues regarding the form and function of these components were identified in Fall 2025. To address these challenges, multiple studies were conducted to integrate end-user perceptions with expert opinions to inform design improvements that could enhance the usability and user experience of HarmonIQ and its components. Using a mixed-methods approach, 23 participants contributed to three data collection activities conducted during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to evaluate HarmonIQ: (1) two focus groups with 12 end users, (2) four subject-matter expert interviews with physical therapists and occupational therapists, and (3) in-vehicle user testing with seven ERAU students with disabilities. Across all data collection activities, participants responded positively to HarmonIQ’s objective to facilitate easier and more effective vehicle customization. However, quantitative and qualitative results suggest requirements for minimizing fine motor demands, supporting neutral wrist position, and incorporating auditory and tactile feedback. Participants also identified preferences for simple, intuitive, and reliable system interactions. The results revealed key design considerations for enhancing HarmonIQ’s end-to-end user experience. Overall, these findings inform ongoing design refinement by providing empirical guidance for developing more accessible, inclusive, and user-centered in-vehicle interfaces that support effective vehicle customization for all drivers.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Customization that Clicks: Human Factors Evaluation of a User-Centered Vehicle Customization System
Older adults (OAs) and drivers with disabilities (DwDs) often encounter challenges when customizing vehicle features (e.g., seat adjustment, lighting, climate control) because existing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) may not be designed to accommodate diverse sensory, motor, and cognitive capabilities. HarmonIQ is a biometric-based, user-centered vehicle customization system designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity for OAs and DwDs, developed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in collaboration with Bethune-Cookman University (BCU). This research, supported in part by the EcoCAR Electric Vehicle Challenge, builds on Fall 2024 proofs-of-concept and Spring 2025 initial development of HarmonIQ and its components, namely the driver profile software and the assistive knob attachment. Several human factors issues regarding the form and function of these components were identified in Fall 2025. To address these challenges, multiple studies were conducted to integrate end-user perceptions with expert opinions to inform design improvements that could enhance the usability and user experience of HarmonIQ and its components. Using a mixed-methods approach, 23 participants contributed to three data collection activities conducted during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to evaluate HarmonIQ: (1) two focus groups with 12 end users, (2) four subject-matter expert interviews with physical therapists and occupational therapists, and (3) in-vehicle user testing with seven ERAU students with disabilities. Across all data collection activities, participants responded positively to HarmonIQ’s objective to facilitate easier and more effective vehicle customization. However, quantitative and qualitative results suggest requirements for minimizing fine motor demands, supporting neutral wrist position, and incorporating auditory and tactile feedback. Participants also identified preferences for simple, intuitive, and reliable system interactions. The results revealed key design considerations for enhancing HarmonIQ’s end-to-end user experience. Overall, these findings inform ongoing design refinement by providing empirical guidance for developing more accessible, inclusive, and user-centered in-vehicle interfaces that support effective vehicle customization for all drivers.