Vehicles are undergoing a profound transformation from hardware-centric transportation machines into software-defined vehicles (SDVs)—connected, continuously evolving, and increasingly automated socio-technical systems. However, despite rapid technological progress, the kind of digital disruption observed in other domains—such as communication, entertainment, and artificial intelligence—has not yet materialized in the automotive sector.

Vehicles are undergoing a profound transformation from hardware-centric transportation machines into software-defined vehicles (SDVs)—connected, continuously evolving, and increasingly automated socio-technical systems. However, despite rapid technological progress, the kind of fundamental changes in user experience observed in other domains—such as communication, entertainment, and artificial intelligence—has not yet materialized in the automotive sector.

This book argues that realizing the transformative potential of SDVs requires positioning user-centered design not merely as a component of vehicle development, but as a guiding principle for creating integrated experiences in the daily lives of users that relate to their needs.

To this end, the book examines key dimensions of SDVs from a user-centered perspective and assembles them in a comprehensive Human Systems Integration (HSI) framework for research and development of SDVs. The framework is intended to facilitate automotive eco-systems to transition toward dynamic, continuously evolving platforms that closely 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.