Google Glass: A Driver Distraction Cause or Cure?. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sawyer, Ben D.; Finomore, Victor S.; Calvo, Andres A.; Hancock, P. A.
• Is Part Of: Human factors. Volume 56:Number 7(2014)
• Page Start: 1307
• Page End: 1321
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: attention -- mobile -- wearable -- SMS -- texting; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1177/0018720814555723
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0018-7208

Abstract

Objective: We assess the driving distraction potential of texting with Google Glass (Glass), a mobile wearable platform capable of receiving and sending short-message-service and other messaging formats. Background: A known roadway danger, texting while driving has been targeted by legislation and widely banned. Supporters of Glass claim the head-mounted wearable computer is designed to deliver information without concurrent distraction. Existing literature supports the supposition that design decisions incorporated in Glass might facilitate messaging for drivers. Method: We asked drivers in a simulator to drive and use either Glass or a smartphone-based messaging interface, then interrupted them with an emergency brake event. Both the response event and subsequent recovery were analyzed. Results: Glass-delivered messages served to moderate but did not eliminate distracting cognitive demands. A potential passive cost to drivers merely wearing Glass was also observed. Messaging using either device impaired driving as compared to driving without multitasking. Conclusion: Glass in not a panacea as some supporters claim, but it does point the way to design interventions that effect reduced load in multitasking. Application: Discussions of these identified benefits are framed within the potential of new in-vehicle systems that bring both novel forms of distraction and tools for mitigation into the driver's seat.