BackPocketDriver is an established research project whose aim is to encourage young drivers to adopt and hone safe driving skills. Youth drivers in the 16-24 years category are by far the most at-risk group on NZ roads.
Currently, BackPocketDriver comprises a smartphone app and a Web service. The app monitors driver behaviour, including speed, turning, acceleration and braking. Its feature-set is informed though the application of behavioural change principles, and includes journey review, positive reinforcement using textual messages, goal setting and points scoring. The app is currently being used in a small NZ-based trial to determine its potential effectiveness as an instrument to help youth drivers driver more safely.
This Part IV project is concerned with further exploring the role of the BackPocketDriver solution. There are many new features that could be developed and evaluated, such as greater use of gamification (involving both individuals and groups), social media, individuals' reputations, and reward schemes. In addition, context messaging - where users receive personalised messages (e.g. following a journey that involved driving past a school, the user receives a message to highlight the lower speed limits around schools at drop-off and pick-up times) would be desirable. Furthermore, the app could take into account stopping distances using the smartphone's camera.
The project isn't limited to developing the above features - other ideas are welcome. The project would involve designing and incorporating new features into the BackPocketDriver solution.
Undergraduate
Software implementation.
None
Lab allocations have not been finalised