Noam Tractinsky

Current in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) are designed for use by a single entity - the driver. In this paper we propose that the benefits of IVIS can increase if we also consider the needs of passengers and their potential contribution as additional information handlers who buffer the driver from information overload. The benefits these "incidental users" of IVIS can reap from having trip-related information shared with them include reduced boredom, increased trust and a sense of inclusion. Drivers' benefits include less distraction caused by questions previously aimed at them as the exclusive owners of the trip-related information, and reduced information load by allowing passengers to actively control selected in-car systems.