Empirical analysis of social implications during the development of automated driving

Abstract: This article presents and discusses studies and their first results on the development of an empirical method for the investigation of social implications caused by automated driving. The basic research project KARLI is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. One of the objectives of KARLI is to develop a methodological approach for the empirical identification and evaluation of social implications expected in different phases of the user-centred development of automated driving. In KARLI, the empirical analysis of social implications is integrated in different studies throughout an iterative user-centred development process of interaction concepts for automated driving (SAE 0-4). In our definition, social implications address the consequences of a technological development for social structures or processes, as well as the development-related prerequisites necessary for a desired social target state. The empirical identification of possible social implications is conducted in two studies, using a qualitative survey (N = 12) and open-ended questions as part of an online survey (N = 35). Based on the results, a first draft of a questionnaire with closed questions is designed to assess the social implications previously identified. In a forthcoming third study, a VR simulation to test three different concepts to promote level-compliant driver behaviour, the social implications are assessed using the designed questionnaire. In addition, further expected social implications are elicited through open-ended questions. The study runs from the end of March to May 2024 with participants between 35 and 45 years of age (N = 95). According to the results, the statements about probable social implications are well answerable by car users, but the validity of the forecast given by the users remains unclear. That for, for a valid estimation of social implications a combination of users and expert’s perspectives seems to be helpful.

Keywords: social implications, automated driving, method development

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005462

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