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As computer applications for cars emerge, speech-based interfaces provide an obvious alternative to the visually demanding graphical user interfaces common on desktop applications. However, speech-based interfaces may pose cognitive demands that could undermine driving safety. This study uses a car-following task to evaluate how a speech-based e-mail system affects drivers' response to a periodically braking lead vehicle. A baseline condition with no e-mail system was compared to a simple and a complex e-mail system in both simple and complex driving environments. The results show a 30% (310 msec) increase in reaction time when the speech-based system is present. These results suggest several design strategies to mitigate the distraction potential of speech-based systems.

This paper describes the application of human factors research tools to the design of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). A key issue in the conduct of human factors research for ITS is to select a research tool that provides the desired design information at the lowest technical risk and lowest cost. Below, we describe three studies that addressed human performance issues associated with ITS, each using tools that were selected on the basis of explicit research objectives. Using the appropriate research tools will allow the human factors professional to meet the needs of ITS designers and developers and, most important of all, the drivers who will benefit from these systems.

This report is a brief summary on the status of activities in hypersonic aerodynamics at The Ohio State University after the first year of support by a Hypersonic Training and Research Grant funded by the NASA, the Air Force OSR and the Navy ONR. The program now supports seven graduate students who are pursuing their degrees under a restructured curicullum which emphasizes the modern state of hypersonic aerodynamics. They participate in a research program which includes a variety of experimental activities.