arXiv · 2508.12518
Towards Adaptive External Communication in Autonomous Vehicles: A Conceptual Design Framework
Abstract
External Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs) are key to facilitating interaction between autonomous vehicles and external road actors, yet most remain reactive and do not account for scalability and inclusivity. This paper introduces a conceptual design framework for adaptive eHMIs-interfaces that dynamically adjust communication as road actors vary and context shifts. Using the cyber-physical system as a structuring lens, the framework comprises three layers: Input (what the system detects), Processing (how the system decides), and Output (how the system communicates). Developed through theory-led abstraction and expert discussion, the framework helps researchers and designers think systematically about adaptive eHMIs and provides a structured tool to design, analyse, and assess adaptive communication strategies. We show how such systems may resolve longstanding limitations in eHMI research while raising new ethical and technical considerations.
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Tram Thi Minh Tran, Judy Kay, Stewart Worrall, Marius Hoggenmueller, Callum Parker, Xinyan Yu, Julie Stephany Berrio Perez, Mao Shan, Martin Tomitsch. 2025-08-17. Towards Adaptive External Communication in Autonomous Vehicles: A Conceptual Design Framework. https://doi.org/10.1145/3744335.3758494
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