New-Tech Europe | March 2017 | Digital Edition

Automotive Special Edition

Figure 1: Ambient lighting is now incorporated into innovative turn- and brake-lighting applications, backlit displays, occupancy detection, night vision, and more

Engineering Group at Ilmenau University of Technology in Munich looked at this phenomenon in an automotive interior lighting study in 2009. Participants in the study drove in a simulated environment where the ambient lighting was changed in position, color and brightness. After the simulation was completed, participants were questioned on how they felt, and their emotional state was measured at the beginning and the end of each test. The study looked at a large variety of different factors that may have an impact on the emotions of the driver. As well as the color of the lighting, the study looked at the shape of the lighting and the materials that made up the lighting installation. It also looked at the feelings that the

lighting designs intended to convey – a feeling of luxury, or sport for example. Some of the participants were tested with either blue or orange lighting. Each of the two color had benefits and drawbacks. For example, blue lighting made it easier for drivers to navigate the interior of the vehicle. Instruments were easier to see and controls easier to find, which gave the driver a better feeling of orientation. The major downside to the blue lighting was that it made the participants feel uncomfortable. The orange light had a completely different effect on drivers – it gave them the perception of luxury and quality. With both test lighting colors, participants became more distracted when driving as the intensity increased.

The survey results also found that ambient lighting was very important in its ability to reduce driver fatigue and therefore increase safety while driving at night. The tests also found that well-designed ambient lighting could foster appreciation of the vehicle, while enhancing positive feelings for the brand itself. Good ambient lighting could make the driver feel the car was roomier and built from better quality materials. Benefiting from Interior Ambient Lighting Today, especially in higher-end vehicles, ambient lighting is designed by manufacturers to almost become a fashion accessory. Vehicles from major manufacturers, such as BMW, Audi, Cadillac, Jaguar and

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