Overview of a Study on Direction-of-Motion Stereotype Strengths for Automobile Controls

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University recently conducted an SAE sponsored research study investigating directional stereotypes of six types of automobile controls: power mirrors, power windows, manual windows, stalks, generic controls, and power door locks. The objective was to determine stereotype strength and the reasons for the strengths. Two hundred subjects participated in this study. This paper provides an overview of the results of the study and recommendations made therefrom.