Virtual reality for simulation and evaluation: Technology Acceptance Models for automotive consumer electronics

The design, development and evaluation of consumer electronics pose many challenges in the transition from initial concept to final product market re-lease. In the automotive sector, in particular, due to the nature of these devices and to alleviate users’ safety concerns, the evaluation of such devices could be primarily performed in simulated and virtual environments. Device functionality can be evaluated objectively by measurement of user performance indicators. User acceptance of these technologies and attitude towards future use is, how-ever, more difficult to formally access, but is considered as important a determinant of the success or failure of a product. The paper presents the virtual simulation requirements of two prototype AR HUD systems and two variations of Technology Acceptance Models (TAM) designed exclusively for their evaluation. The reasoning behind virtual simulations and utilisation of TAM variants in accessing and predicting user experience outcomes and intentions is discussed. In conclusion, a future plan for examining further the virtual simulation environments and additional TAM structures is proposed.