R&D&iHuman Factors and Ergonomics
The human factor is the determining factor during most of our daily activities and, thus, when driving, steering or using any means of transport. This is why we study the role of human beings in the use and enjoyment of the most typical means of transport.
HMIs and equipment
While vehicle manufacturers define the design and evaluation of the systems which they place at the disposal of drivers (e.g. radio, AC or cruise control), we want to ensure that the interfaces with those systems are easy and pleasurable to use and, above all, are not a source of mental load or distraction. Likewise, we attempt to ascertain whether said systems can affect or not the behaviour or drivers (e.g. whether driving under cruise control helps to roughly observe speed limits or not).
We use a user-centred design (UCD) methodology, involving users throughout the product design, development and evaluation process. We conduct interviews, ethnographic surveys, card sorting, heuristic evaluations, tests with users, etc.
Vulnerable users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
We pinpoint the causes and motivations behind those risky behaviours in which pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists most frequently engage.
From different work methodologies (ITS equipment, observation, interviews, etc.), we try to discover the relationship these users have with the road environment, identifying those road characteristics (layout, equipment, etc.) that encourage dangerous conducts or might lead to risk situations for users. We propose and evaluate measures to eradicate said dangerous situations and behaviours.
We evaluate and analyse motorcycle driving assistance systems, making sure interfaces are safe, attractive and effective. Likewise, we put forward good practices in order to improve the integral safety of motorcyclists.
Road and road equipment design
We study how the configuration of the road environment and the different elements thereof (signs, barriers, light signals, lighting) may alter or change the behaviour of drivers.
We identify those road characteristics that cause a distorted processing of information and may lead drivers to potential risk situations.
We analyse and propose the most appropriate countermeasures for lessening or doing away with said distortions and subsequently evaluate them in real traffic circumstances.
Elderly and disabled people
We investigate how elderly people interact with traffic from a holistic approach, integrating diverse points of view: psychological, medical and technical. We analyse the safety of our seniors as a whole, encompassing all the elements of the traffic system: drivers and pedestrians, infrastructures, vehicles, driver licence tests, driving, etc.
We develop support tools for traffic operators so that they may evaluate and improve the accessibility of this group of people to public transport. We look at accessibility from an integral point of view, including physical, sensory and cognitive barriers.
Driver driving behaviour
We study the influence of variables associated with personality and the psychophysical state on drivers’ ability to perceive and react.
We design and implement general and specific plans to reduce risk patterns and improve safety.
We provide the solutions most suited to each identified pattern. We evaluate said measures in the driving simulator under real traffic conditions.
Prevention of rail incidents
We investigate what incidents occur more frequently in the rail environment, focusing on suicides and trespasses and the consequences thereof.
We select the most appropriate methodologies for analysing the causes behind said incidents and give advice on what preventive measures of a technical, training and awareness-raising nature are most suitable for solving the problem at each track access point identified as a dangerous hotspot.
Finally, we assess and analyse the effectiveness of the selected preventive measures and track them, adapting them to those new circumstances that might arise.
Aeronautics
We analyse the tasks of maintenance workers and drivers so as to find out which requirements they must fulfill during the performance of their duties.
We identify the needs, problems and requirements with a view to improve staff training processes, optimise coordination and action in case of emergency, and propose recommendations for the design of cabin systems.
Aleixandre Campos nº 2
47151 Boecillo (Valladolid) Spain
[+34] 983 54 80 35
info@cidaut.es
Col. Reserva territorial Atlixcayotl, C.P. 72810
San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, México.
+52 22 2247 0005
