Courtesy Horn:
Non-Verbal Driver Communication System  

Project Overview 

The goal of Courtesy Horn is to develop an alternative car horn system that increases the abilities of drivers to communicate with each other in a non-verbal manner. Car horns are currently loud, abrasive, and do not carry a significant amount of information. A courtesy horn will allow for more specific communication between drivers through variations in tone and volume. The goals of this project are to develop such a system while gauging the response of potential stakeholders to better determine what information is most important to communicate, and what tones best convey this information. 

Objectives 

  1. Conduct and Analyze Human Factors Research
  2. Complete Beta System Design
  3. Prepare for Spring 2025 Testing

Major Tasks 

The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.

  1. Recruit study participants
  2. Conduct human factors testing x2
  3. Analyze human factors test data x2
  4. Refine sound palette
  5. Beta system design
  6. Beta system build and validate
  7. Manage and report

Open Positions 

Specific Role(s)

  • Electronics hardware designer
  • Human factors test coordinator
  • Data analyzer
  • Software designer

Preferred Skills and Interests 

  • Electronical and Computer Engineering
  • Automobiles
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Ergonomics
  • Social Science
  • Communication
  • Human Factors related data analyses

Preferred Academic Years 

  • Looking for First-year/Sophomore level students  

Preferred Majors (Minors)

  • EE
  • CpE
  • CS
  • ISE
  • Psyc
  • STS
  • Sociology
  • (HCI)

How to Apply 

Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing researchers on the team.  After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule an interview (likely to be conducted via zoom).  Review for the positions will be conducted over the 2024 Summer break starting around 7/14/24. Please complete the MS Form, uploading the following documents:

  • A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects).  If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position.  Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.) 
  • A resume outlining your work experience and education 

Please reach out to Dr. Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) if you have any questions or concerns. 

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