Towards optimization of mid-air gestures for in-vehicle interactions

A mid-air gesture-based interface could provide a less cumbersome in-vehicle interface for a safer driving experience. Despite the recent developments in gesture-driven technologies facilitating the multi-touch and mid-air gestures, interface safety requirements as well as an evaluation of gesture characteristics and functions, need to be explored. This paper describes an optimization study on the previously developed GestDrive gesture vocabulary for in-vehicle secondary tasks. We investigate mid-air gestures and secondary tasks, their correlation, confusions, unintentional inputs and consequential safety risks. Building upon a statistical analysis, the results provide an optimized taxonomy break-down for a user-centered gestural interface design which considers user preferences, requirements, performance, and safety issues.