Speaker
Description
The quiet sound profile of electric trucks can reduce auditory cues related to speed and acceleration, potentially affecting the driver´s sense of feedback andcontrol. Therefore, it is relevant to examine whether active sound design can optimize the driver experience. A simulator study was conducted to explorewhether adding complex tonal sounds can improve the driving experience and change drivers´ sense of feedback, and whether biometric measurements can capture human responses to the sounds. Sixteen participants experienced three different sound treatments during simulated driving. Two treatments provided enhanced sound feedback depending on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. Besides biometric measurements, subjective ratings and written comments were collected. Qualitative analyses of the results indicated that enhanced sound feedback can increase perceived sense of feedback and control for some drivers. Approximately half of the subjects appeared to ap preciate the added sound feedback. Galvanic skin response revealed a significant difference between the treatments and is recommended for further investigations of human response to sound feedback. Although attitudes toward and perceived need for active sound design vary considerably, the demand is still sufficiently pronounced to justify further research.