Background
Today, the car is the most frequently used means of transport in Germany and has become an indispensable everyday object for many people. A positive driving experience is a central factor influencing the choice of our means of transport. The terms driving fun and driving experience are often used by media and manufacturers. It is often unclear what is meant by the terms driving pleasure and which factors influence driving pleasure. Today, the driving experience and driving pleasure are discussed in particular with regard to the increasing automation of driving.
Aims
The IAD investigated driving enjoyment and experience from the perspective of different transport users and, in particular, with regard to the increasing automation of the car. The aim was to find out why people prefer cars as a means of transport and what factors contribute to the driving experience and driving pleasure when using different means of transport.
A key question was how automated driving affects the driving experience of car users. To investigate this question, the research focused on the driving experience and driving pleasure of car users in the roles of “driver” and “passenger”.
Method
In order to elucidate these questions, literature-based factors were derived which characterize the driving experience and driving pleasure. These were then empirically examined using a survey study (n = 334). The differences in the driving experience and driving enjoyment of transport users were then analyzed. Correlation analyses were conducted in order to reveal the factors which contribute to the driving pleasure of transport users.
Results
The research revealed that a number of factors impact the travel experience of passengers. The most significant factors were identified as flexibility, availability and reliability of the transportation means.
The analysis of driving enjoyment demonstrated that the influencing factors can be classified into three principal dimensions: the driver, the vehicle and the environment. It is evident that there are significant differences in the enjoyment derived from active and passive modes of transportation. While car drivers derive pleasure from fast and active driving, this has a detrimental impact on the enjoyment of car passengers. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics, as well as the characteristics of the journey and the vehicle itself, on driving enjoyment were identified.
