Mid-air haptics for automotive HUDs: A sketch anticipation and design fiction study

Innovations in the automotive industry, such as autonomous driving, AI assistants, head-up displays, and mid-air haptic touchless interactions, promise transformative benefits but may also introduce unanticipated risks and ethical concerns. To explore these potential challenges, we conducted a multi-stage study: first, we engaged 27 engineers specializing in touchless and automotive systems to envision future applications of mid-air haptics and head-up displays. Insights from this anticipatory design fiction informed the creation of high-fidelity storyboard sketches depicting six hypothetical scenarios. Using these storyboards and a custom questionnaire, we then surveyed 135 drivers across nine countries to assess their views on technology acceptance, interface usability, and responsible innovation. Results revealed significant demographic variability, alongside a dual sentiment: while drivers express enthusiasm for technological integration, they also voice concerns about safety, user control, and privacy. Our findings not only inform safer and more user-centered automotive innovation but also offer a multimodal framework for evaluating and guiding emerging technologies across diverse fields.