Master Thesis - Anita Hart

Masters Thesis

Abstract
The transportation industry is undergoing the most radical changes in history with the utilization of cutting-edge technology. Vehicles are becoming fully connected, data-powered smart machines that employ many scientific and digital technologies to increase safety and improve driver experience. The problem is that the owner has little or no control over the massive amounts of highly personalized data their vehicle produces. Through exploratory research, interviews, prototyping, usability testing, and customer experience audits this study discovers solutions to bring control of automotive data under the owner’s control, improving security and the driving experience. The implications of a systemic solution will involve vehicle data privacy legislation, manufacturer specifications, and software provider compliance.

Research

I conducted extensive industry research, field studies, manufacture interviews, driver interviews, psychological studies, reference materials, machine learning, the future of automotive technology, and self driving automobiles.

Problem

With the rise of technology in automotive there is a concern for the protection of the drivers data privacy. The focus of the manufacturers was all about technology and how they could use it and there was very little thought for privacy and protection of the driver data.

Solution

Build in panel controls into the vehicles information system that raise owner awareness of vehicle data collection and allow the driver to opt out of sharing sensitive data points.