about

Dr. Zaiyan GONG is the Director of HVR Lab (Human-Vehicle Relationship), Tongji University, P. R. China, and General Manager of Shanghai AMMI Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. His business focus on intelligent automobile research, design and evaluation. His research covers both rational and emotional fields. For the rational part, he originally created the real-car driving simulation platform for usability test. For the emotional part, he introduced the 6-D culture model into automotive UX definition, to show the distinctive user requirement among various target groups.

With the  6-D model of national culture, he supported global clients, including Volkswagen and BMW, to systematically understand Chinese users’ requirements for HMI and other in-car experiences. Based on the research conclusions, he led the team to design and build a concept car “Zhong: UX” for Volkswagen Group China, which was unveiled in May 2021. The design guideline based on culture research became one part of China Automotive HMI Evaluation and Certification System.

Preference for user experience designs varies among countries because it is highly defined by culture and value. For example, collectivist culture wants companionship, thus, a human-like AI avatar is more preferred than an abstract pattern. Masculinity culture wants honor, thus, scoring and ranking are highly preferred by the users.

Besides, he also uses the 6-D model to support Chinese local automotive manufacturers, suppliers and dealers to improve inter-cultural communication and management when establishing overseas branches.

He holds a PhD in Automotive Engineering from Tongji University. Before running the business, he worked in Porsche (China) Motors Ltd. for Product Management and Sales Planning.

resources

Papers and Articles:

• Automotive HMI Guidelines for China Based on Culture Dimensions Interpretation. HCI International 2020.
• Assessing the driving distraction effect of vehicle HMI displays using data mining techniques. Transportation Research Part F, 69 (2020): 235–250
• Interactive Modes F-ANP Evaluation for In-Vehicle Secondary Tasks. SAE Technical Papers.
• Vehicle Central Display Layout Evaluation Based on Driver Distraction Simulator Test. 2018 JSAE Annual Congress (Spring) Proceedings.

Tutorials:

• Automotive Ux Design Based On Intercultural Research. HCI International 2021.