Up in the Air: A Human Factors Approach to Enhancing eVTOL Passenger Experience

Abstract

Although electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are an emerging mode of transportation, current research indicates that the general public may be unwilling to ride in them due to unfamiliarity and uncertainty about their trust in the technology. This research aimed to better understand potential passenger concerns as well as the factors related to eVTOL design and ride journey that contribute to people’s willingness to ride in them. Understanding these human factors considerations are crucial for addressing issues surrounding the end-to-end passenger experience. Passenger safety, comfort, and acceptance were identified as important areas that influence users’ experience. These areas informed the development of our low-fidelity conceptual designs of physical (e.g., electrochromic windows, ultraviolet light self-cleaning cabin, etc.) and digital (e.g., user-facing mobile app, in-vehicle displays, etc.) solutions. To gauge people’s opinions on these solutions, Embry-Riddle students were asked to participate in questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and user testing. Findings from data analysis informed a second iteration of our designs. This research highlights the importance of considering human factors in the design of eVTOLs to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and acceptance, ultimately facilitating the widespread adoption of this new mode of transportation.

Authors

• Dreslin, Brandon D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Falanga, Michael C. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Mai Ngam, Juksana Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Chaparro, Alex Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Chaparro, Barbara S. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Comfort
• eVTOL Cabin Design
• Human Factors
• Safety
• Urban Air Mobility
• User-Centered Design
• User Experience
• User Trust
• Advanced Air Mobility
• Human Factors Psychology