Abstract
A paper-and-pencil survey instrument and an operational test were used to assess stereotype strength for automobile power window controls. Control panel layout (square vs. linear) and mounting plane were examined along with stereotype differences between subjects with technical backgrounds and those with non-technical backgrounds.
A total of 273 participants ranging in age from 16 to 50 completed the survey instrument which requested responses to questions about which control was expected to activate a specified window. Subject preference for a particular control configuration was also solicited. A square control layout mounted on the instrument panel exhibited the strongest stereotype (94% of consistent responses for a single pattern) although it was the least preferred (22%). A square configuration mounted on the door panel possessed the second strongest stereotype (67% and 28% of consistent responses for the top two response patterns) and the highest preference (47%). A linear configuration mounted on the door panel exhibited a weaker stereotype (57% and 36% of consistent responses for the top two response patterns) and was preferred by 31% of the subjects. Preference tended to follow familiarity with controls in existing vehicles rather than ease of use or isomorphic arrangement.
Twenty-four of the survey participants were also tested using actual power window controls mounted in a vehicle mockup. The subject's task involved moving the left hand as quickly as possible from the steering wheel to the subject's selected control upon presentation of a pictorial or verbal cue to raise or lower a specific window. Cue presentation and measurement of reaction time and movement time were provided by a PC. The square control layout mounted on the instrument panel was superior in terms of response time, stereotype strength and response consistency.
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