In this project, I explored a novel navigation display system that uses an augmented reality (AR) projection to minimize cognitive distance by overlaying driving directions on the windshield and road. The projected display makes it easier for users to focus on one location and to translate information between the virtual/information space of the navigation system and the real world (Figure 2).

The navigation display visualizes the driving area via a computer-generated map that appears as if it is sliding down the upper portion of the windshield and merging into the road. By synchronizing this movement with the car movement, drivers experience seamless integration of the display and its information into the real road.

We evaluated this display system by examining eye-tracking states, subjective rating, and dual-task performance measures. We found that our navigation display is especially supportive for elder drivers when they choose which road to take at an intersection and respond to traffic incidents.

Figure 2. Simulated AR-windshield display system for navigation aid.