Master thesis - Evaluation and improvements for display-based systems

"Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to driving prosperity and shaping the future landscape through sustainable transport, mobility, and infrastructure solutions. By offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers’ uptime and productivity.

Our headquarters are in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Group shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm."

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Title

Evaluation and improvements for display-based systems like Camera Monitor Systems in trucks.


Background

Driver Interaction and Infotainment at Volvo Group Trucks Technology work with everything from the platform layer on ECUs to content and interaction design on truck screens, mirrors, controls, and other things the driver sees and interacts with.
Over time, the number and sizes of displays in trucks have increased, which could affect the drivers´ subjective perception (e.g. comfort, acceptance and sense of control), impact physiological aspects (e.g. fatigue, cognitive load and depth perception), and affect the driving performance (e.g. gaze behaviours, distance judgment and risk-taking).

Description of thesis work
The focus of this Master Thesis is to compare a truck with rearview mirrors combined with smaller displays to a truck with Camera Monitor displays combined with larger displays.
The effects the two different driver environments have on drivers will be evaluated in trucks equipped with different sensors, driving on public roads or test track.
A combination of perceptual, psychophysical, cognitive and subjective measurements will be collected and analysed, e.g. eye gaze behaviour and subjective measurements.
The aim is to draw conclusions about what needs to be improved for future display-based systems to support a healthier and safer driver environment.


Goal of the thesis

The goal is to investigate the impacts of the growing number of displays in trucks, draw conclusions about what could be improved and propose future development for display-based systems.


Activities

* Background and state of art.
* Design an experiment to evaluate two different existing trucks.
* Equip trucks with cameras and other measurement equipment.
* Perform a user evaluation in the trucks with truck drivers.
* Interview drivers and collect qualitative measurements.
* Analyze the data, especially eye gaze behavior and subjective measurements.
* Conclude and propose recommendations and requirements on improved concepts for future displays in trucks.



Desirable expertise

Design and product development, interaction design, cognitive science, with an interest in and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Students must be tied to a Swedish university for their thesis.

Thesis Level: Master.

Language: Swedish or English.

Starting date: December 2024/January 2025.

Number of students: Two (2).

Tutor: Nina Theodorsson, Expert Usability and HMI.

Last application date: November 15th, 2024.


Who we are and what we believe in
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.