Objective: The effects of three prototypical designs of energy consumption displays on energy-specific situation awareness were examined.
Background: Energy efficiency is crucial for the sustainability of technical systems. However, without accurate situation awareness of energy dynamics (energy dynamics awareness, EDA) it can be challenging for humans to optimize the use of energy resources of electric vehicles (EVs) through their behavior.
Method: We examined three prototypical energy display designs that varied by their informational value to support EDA. Furthermore, we investigated the differential effects on EDA measured by (1) a newly constructed scale (experienced EDA), (2) estimating energy consumption, and (3) identifying efficient trips in an online experiment. Participants (N = 82) watched standardized driving scenes (videos) of EV trips presenting the energy displays.
Results: We found a strong effect of display type on experienced EDA, with the trace display being the most supportive. The EDA scale showed excellent internal consistency. The consumption estimation and efficient trip identification indicators were not affected by the display type.
Conclusion: The study indicates that experienced EDA is immediately affected by displays with higher information value, but performance might need more time and training. More research is needed to investigate the cognitive processes related to EDA and to examine how distinct display elements enhance EDA.
Application: Results from this research can be used as guidance for the design of energy displays, especially in EVs. The EDA scale can be used as an evaluation measure in the human-centered design process of energy displays.
Keywords: energy; interface evaluation; situation awareness; sustainability; vehicle design.