The Role of Control: A Driving Simulator Study on User Acceptance of Personalized HMIs for Professional Truck Drivers

Abstract

Professional truck drivers represent a critical yet under-researched user group of automotive human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Adaptive HMIs support decision-making in demanding driving contexts. However, research on adaptive truck HMIs remains limited, particularly regarding adequate user control for expert drivers. To address this gap, we developed an interactive truck HMI prototype providing personalized suggestions. We systematically investigated the level of assistance in a driving simulator study (N = 27), comparing a manual baseline (M), adaptive suggestions with manual choice (AM), and an autonomous adaptive condition (AA). Results show that the personalized suggestions were well accepted, while indicating that the concept with user choice (AM) was preferred. Furthermore, higher patronization was significantly associated with lower acceptance. These findings highlight the potential of personalized truck HMIs to improve drivers’ daily work. At the same time, they underscore the importance of considering perceptions of patronization in future research by designing for user-involved adaptivity.