Evaluation of the Impact of Google Glass on Pedestrian and Driver Behaviour

This project examined the usability of Google Glass and the potential impact of the device on driver and pedestrian behaviour. A range of activities were undertaken including an expert assessment of the Glass by three human factors specialists, usability testing, a pedestrian walking study and a driving simulation study. The expert assessment identified that the Glass has a range of potential safety-based uses for road users, but that it also has design aspects that could reduce the usability or ease of use of the device, which can lead to user confusion and errors and, ultimately, to distraction if the device is used while performing other tasks such as walking, cycling or driving. In addition, a range of performance decrements were observed in the pedestrian and driving simulator studies, including reduced walking pace and lateral control, reduced lane keeping ability and failures in the detection of expected signs.