Technology Behind Tesla's Autopilot Impressive But User Experience Lacks Key Best Practices 

BOSTON, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent user evaluation from the In-Vehicle UX (IVX) group at Strategy Analytics (www.strategyanalytics.com) assessing the Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system in the Tesla Model S has found that overall, first-time users found Autopilot impressive despite several usability bugs. Users praised the responsive speed adjustments and lane centering, but felt that staying perfectly centered within a lane was not always desirable. Controls for initiating and adjusting Autopilot were somewhat easy to master with training, but the audible tones and the icons on the instrument cluster were far too subtle to be effective.

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Strategy Analytics tested Tesla's semi-autonomous driving system with first-time users. While the results of this study found the technology behind the Autopilot system in this car to be impressive and possibly even best in class, its user experience neglected a few key best practices. Participants considered the indicators on the cluster display for current Autopilot status to be elegant and visually appealing but too small or thin to be noticed in a first-use case; audible tones indicating the activation and deactivation of Autopilot were too subtle and rarely noticed by first-time users; and, while the automated lane change was easy to learn and delightful for first-time users, the display and indicators to notify for adjacent vehicles were rarely noticed.

Click here for report: http://bit.ly/1TCYhdS

Derek Viita, Senior Analyst and report author, commented, "Most participants felt that Autopilot was easy and safe to use, but fewer felt that Autopilot kept them appropriately informed of the driving situation - which an improved UI could address. Participants' comfort levels with Autopilot increased as they felt the car maneuver to keep them on the road and safe, but interestingly, no participants cited the HMI as a reason for feeling safer."

Chris Schreiner, Director IVX, added, "After testing, the vast majority of participants had interest in potentially including a semi-autonomous driving assistant like Autopilot in their next vehicle; a few even indicated that it might directly factor into their purchase decision. However, other than for long drives, users openly questioned when they would actually use the feature. This suggests that while consumers are showing increased interest and appetite for these systems, for most they simply "tick a box" ensuring that their vehicle has all the latest and greatest features."

About Strategy Analytics

Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com.

About In-vehicle UX

The In-vehicle UX group forms part of the User Experience Innovation Practice (UXIP) at Strategy Analytics. Focusing on user behaviors, motivations and interests within in-vehicle, mobile device, connected home and media & services research areas, UXIP helps clients meet consumer needs, develop usable solutions and deliver compelling user experiences. Extensive expertise and highly experienced in large-scale survey work, in-depth interviews, focus groups and observational sessions, UXIP's research methodology allows strategic user-centric analysis on the potential for new technologies that would otherwise be unavailable. Providing actionable insight, go-to-market strategies and business recommendations, UXIP is a leading supplier of consumer knowledge to the technology industry. Click here for more information.

Press Contacts

US Contact: Derek Viita, +1 617 614 0772, dviita@strategyanalytics.com

European Contact: Diane O'Neill, +44 (0)1908 423 669, doneill@strategyanalytics.com

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SOURCE Strategy Analytics