User-Centered Design of a Context Aware Driving Mode for Safe and Accessible Transportation

Sammanfattning

Driver applications are increasingly used in professional driving to support route planning, order management, documentation, and communication. When drivers need to read, interpret, or interact with information in close proximity to driving, these systems can also create visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, increasing traffic safety risk. This master's thesis was conducted in collaboration with Sortera Group AB and investigates how the company's driver application can be redesigned to better support drivers during their daily work. The aim of the thesis was to develop a context-adapted interface concept that improves readability, reduces unnecessary interactions, and provides drivers with faster access to task-critical information. The project followed a User-Centered Design (UCD) process, combining theory, user research, stakeholder needs, and iterative prototyping to guide the design. The work was based upon traffic safety research, Swedish legislation, cognitive load theory, and design principles for driving-related interfaces. The result was a UX framework demonstrated through a high-fidelity prototype with two main use contexts: handheld mode and car mode. Handheld mode supports more detailed interaction, while car mode focuses on simplified access to important information with fewer interaction steps. The final evaluation indicated that the overall concept was understandable to participants. Task-critical information was found faster in the prototype than in the current interface, the prototype received a high SUS score, and an AI-based eye-tracking analysis indicated clearer visual hierarchy in the car mode views. The result supports the design direction of separating use contexts, prioritizing important information, and reducing unnecessary visual and manual interaction. Further testing with actual drivers in realistic vehicle contexts is needed before stronger conclusions about traffic safety can be made.