The study tested 16 people in a vehicle simulator to see how touchscreens affect driving when people multitask. Participants interacted with a 12-inch touchscreen while performing an N-back memory task, in which they heard a series of numbers and had to repeat certain digits. The researchers measured gaze, finger movements, pupil diameter and electrodermal activity to estimate cognitive load.
Multitasking made both driving and touchscreen performance worse. Lane drift increased, and touchscreen speed and accuracy fell substantially when participants were driving. Performance dropped further under higher cognitive load. Glances at the touchscreen became shorter, and the frequency of reaching for a control before looking rose when the memory task was added. Making touch targets larger did not improve results.
The team presented the work at an ACM symposium in Busan, Korea, and suggested that simple sensors such as eye tracking or touch sensors on the steering wheel could monitor attention and adjust the interface to highlight important controls. Co-senior authors include James Fogarty and Jacob O. Wobbrock; additional coauthors are from the University of Washington and Toyota Research Institute. The work was funded in part by TRI.
Difficult words
- simulator — machine that imitates real driving conditions
- touchscreen — screen you touch to control a devicetouchscreens
- cognitive load — amount of mental work or thinking required
- lane drift — vehicle moving away from the correct lane
- glance — short look at something or someoneGlances
- accuracy — how correct or precise a result is
- electrodermal activity — skin response showing changes in body arousal
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever used a touchscreen while driving? How did it affect your attention and driving?
- Do you think sensors like eye tracking or steering-wheel touch sensors could help drivers stay safe? Why or why not?
- What simple changes would you suggest for in-car touchscreens to reduce distraction while driving?
Related articles
LLMs change judgments when told who wrote a text
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that large language models change their evaluations of identical texts when given an author identity. The study tested four models and warns about hidden biases and the need for governance.
New ultrasound method improves diagnosis of breast masses
Researchers developed a new ultrasound signal-processing method that distinguishes fluid cysts from solid breast masses. In initial patient tests doctors identified masses correctly far more often than with conventional ultrasound, which could reduce biopsies and follow-ups.
2025 aid cuts threaten health and humanitarian services
Large reductions in international aid in 2025 disrupted health and humanitarian services in many low- and middle-income countries. The cuts began with a US suspension of aid and led to the closure of USAID and wider global impacts.