Vehicles are evolving from hardware-centric machines into software-defined vehicles (SDVs)—connected, automated, and continuously adapting socio-technical systems. While new technical capabilities and market pressures drive rapid innovation, the industry's real challenge is reinventing vehicles to extend far beyond basic human transportation.

This book argues that fully realizing the potential of SDVs requires treating user-centered design as a core guiding principle rather than a mere development feature, ensuring integrated experiences that truly fit users' daily lives.

To this end, the book examines SDVs from a user-centered perspective to build a comprehensive Human Systems Integration (HSI) framework for R&D. This framework aims to help automotive ecosystems transition into dynamic, evolving platforms that align with individual and societal needs.

Peter Mörtl is Principal Researcher and Engineer at the Human Systems Integration – Engineering Foundation in Austria with over 25 years of experience integrating human factors into socio-technical systems in aviation and automotive in the U.S. and Austria.

Barbara Lenz is a Human geographer, transport researcher, mobility expert and university lecturer. Until 2021, she was director of the Institute of Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center.

Daniel Watzenig is Full Professor of Multi-Sensor Perception of Autonomous Systems at the Institute of Visual Computing at the Graz University of Technology, and currently serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of the Electronics Systems and Software Department at Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, Austria.