Exploratory Breaks: A User Interface that Encourages Car Drivers to Take Valuable Breaks

Recent in-car infotainment features focus especially on enhancing the experience while moving. However, the experience of a car ride is not limited to the in-car experience. Especially on long-distance journeys, breaks are crucial to fulfill basic human needs and to reduce driver fatigue. However, breaks cannot always be planned in advance and spontaneous breaks often lack experience, e.g., when it comes to food choices or points of interest. This results often in short breaks and limited recovery from stressful driving. To encourage drivers to take breaks, we present a concept that recommends exploratory stops based on occupants’ interests (e.g., viewpoints, restaurants). Results from a pilot study (N = 10) show that personalized breaks lead towards a positive user experience. The qualitative feedback reveals that such a system encourages drivers to take more breaks because the stop fits their interest, makes them curious about the location, and is perceived as easy to use while driving.