Understanding User Requirements for Creating Sensor-Powered Smart Car Cabins Through Retrofitting

TL;DR

This paper investigates how retrofitting can enhance smart car cabins by understanding user needs and challenges, offering design recommendations for effective retrofit solutions based on user studies.

Contribution

It introduces a user-centered approach to designing retrofitting methods for smart car cabins, filling a gap in extending existing vehicle sensor capabilities.

Findings

Identified key challenges with built-in smart sensors.

Gathered user requirements and expectations for retrofitting.

Provided design recommendations for retrofit development.

Abstract

In this paper, we explore a novel approach that leverages retrofitting to create sensor-powered smart car cabins. We propose that retrofitting offers a promising way to complement and extend the capabilities of built-in smart cabin sensors provided by car manufacturers. To understand how retrofitting solutions should be designed, we conducted a two-phase study. First, through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, we examined challenges with built-in smart cabin sensors and identified opportunities where retrofitting could address these limitations. Second, through probe-based participatory design sessions with 15 participants, we identified user requirements and expectations for effective retrofit solutions. Based on our findings, we present a set of design recommendations to guide the future development of retrofit methods for smart car cabins.