Rocker Switch Tactile Coding and Direction of Motion Stereotypes

This paper presents the results of a series of direction of motion stereotype studies which were conducted to determine how tactile switch coding influenced drivers' choices of initial control movement direction. First encounters with automotive rocker switches which had been mounted in various locations and orientations throughout the passenger compartment were evaluated. Motion stereotypes for these bi-directional switches were found to vary from chance levels (50% of drivers preferring either direction of movement) to a 99%/l% preference depending upon tactile coding schemes, switch orientations, labeling and switch locations.