❥ Preliminary evaluation during workshop
❥ Open platform for driving-simulator studies
❥ Presented at AutoUI2026
The question
How can simulator-based HMI research become easier to operationalize?
Prototyping and evaluating in-vehicle interfaces asks researchers to bridge several areas at once: simulator software, interaction design, and study methodology. That steep learning curve can make it harder for people without a deep technical background to get from a research question to a working study.
01
Make the research task the focus
SCARline is an open platform built on a driving simulator. It abstracts some of the technical complexity involved in setting up a study, giving researchers and designers more room to concentrate on their research question, study design, and in-cabin interaction.
Simplified information flowSCARline handles the complex technology and allows researchers to focus on their research.
PlatformUsing a simplified workflow, researchers can create their study and easily set up all components they need.
02
Turn the platform into a shared design exercise
The AutoUI ’26 workshop introduced SCARline’s architecture, then guided participants through designing an HMI widget and configuring a functional user-study scenario in the simulator. The format brought the platform’s practical use into the room and invited the automotive UX community to help shape its next steps.
03
Use early evaluation to guide iteration
A preliminary evaluation with people from different disciplinary backgrounds provided initial validation and surfaced areas for improvement. The workshop continued that iterative process by bringing the platform to the wider AutoUI community and gathering input for future development.
The outcome
A more approachable path from HMI idea to simulator study.
SCARline aims to lower the technical barrier to prototyping and evaluating in-vehicle HMIs. Its early evaluation offered initial validation, while the workshop created a chance for researchers and designers to try the platform and contribute to its direction.
Open platform
Built on a driving simulator to support in-vehicle HMI prototyping and evaluation.
Early validation
A preliminary evaluation with participants from different disciplinary backgrounds surfaced improvement areas.
Community input
The AutoUI ’26 workshop invited participants to try the workflow and help inform future development.
Simplified information flowSCARline handles the complex technology and allows researchers to focus on their research.
PlatformUsing a simplified workflow, researchers can create their study and easily set up all components they need.