Enhanced auditory menu cues on a mobile phone improve time-shared performance of a driving-like dual task

The growing trend of using mobile phones and other in-vehicle technologies (IVT) while driving has spurred research on driver distraction, its effects and alleviation (Ashley, 2001; Young & Regan, 2007). The present study used a dual task in which 21 undergraduates navigated a mobile phone contact list fora target name (secondary task) while playing a computer game representative of driving (primary task). The phone menu was enhanced with two audio navigation cues: traditional text-to-speech (TTS) and spearcons (i.e., compressed speech). These cues were tested with and without visual display of the contact list. Spearcons in conjunction with TTS enhanced performance on the primary task while having no negative effect on the secondary task. Auditory menus reduced perceived workload and increased subjective ratings. Results are discussed in terms of multiple resources theory and practical mobile phone menu design. Copyright 2010 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved.