Designing trust in Shared Autonomous Vehicles: trusting the vehicle and fellow passengers: A exploratory review

Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) combine the benefits of connected, automated, ride-shared, and electrified vehicles, with the potential for widespread adoption worldwide. However, one aspect of SAV adoption that is often overlooked amidst the hyperbole surrounding this emerging technology is the need for in-depth investigation into how SAVs can engender trust in their safe utility and overcome distrust among passengers who may be in relatively close proximities. Much of the research conducted in the SAV space focuses on the efficacy of driving technology and is often shrouded in commercial confidentiality. Trust in SAVs can be influenced by various factors, particularly in the aesthetics of the vehicular exterior and interior. Yet, there is limited literature that investigates the aspects of industrial design in SAVs that might mitigate a lack of confidence in the vehicle and among fellow passengers.

To address this research gap, the authors conducted an exploratory review of the literature. The findings demonstrated a scarcity of research that addresses trust issues through the form language and orchestration of the different structural elements that make up a vehicle interior and exterior. However, there is a substantial body of literature concerned with understanding trust in the broader context of human experience. Therefore, the authors speculate that exploring the industrial design research and delving into theoretical approaches to understanding the levels of trust that can be stimulated by various traits and triggers could inform a design response to better engender feelings of confidence between passengers and the vehicle, as well as among passengers themselves.