Braking Distance Visualisation

Implemented in Unity

Easy to use

Experience

Easy to extend and visualize

Scene

Scene

User drives along pre-made track (using Catmull-Rom splines)

Proper vehicle physics are hard to implement well

Alternative: Focus only on acceleration and braking.

We want to test our system, not the users' driving skills.

Visualisation

Braking

Distance

75% Distance

50% Distance

25% Distance

Braking

Distance

in 

meters

Scene

Original approach: Only display last marker and distance in meters.

This, however, leads to problems in corners, as the marker disappears.

Instead display markers at 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent distance.

Technical implementation: Markers also follow spline. Their distance is calculated using vehicle speed and friction.

Testing

First round:

Let the user drive a few rounds with and without visualisation.

Give them a feeling for the simulation works and also let them focus on the visualisations.

Hopefully leads to more feedback regarding the visual implementation.

Testing

Second round:

Let the user drive up to a corner and note when they start to brake.

With and without visualisation.

Test if it leads to different user behaviour. 

Testing

Third round:

Set a target. The user accelerates towards it and tries to stop as precisely at the target as possible.

Again with and without visualisation.

Test whether the system leads to a noticeable difference in results.

Interviews

Pre- and post testing.

Pre: Gather information about users' driving experience and skills.

Post: Feedback and impressions on system.