CHI 2026 · Barcelona, Spain
Understanding User Requirements for Creating Sensor-Powered Smart Car Cabins Through Retrofitting
Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Abstract
In this paper, we explore a novel approach that leverages retrofitting to create sensor-powered smart car cabins. We propose that retrofitting offers a promising way to complement and extend the capabilities of built-in smart cabin sensors provided by car manufacturers. To understand how retrofitting solutions should be designed, we conducted a two-phase study. First, through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, we examined challenges with built-in smart cabin sensors and identified opportunities where retrofitting could address these limitations. Second, through probe-based participatory design sessions with 15 participants, we identified user requirements and expectations for effective retrofit solutions. Based on our findings, we present a set of design recommendations to guide the future development of retrofit methods for smart car cabins.
Quick cite
Bofan Yu, BoRui Li, Tingyu Zhang, and Xing-Dong Yang. 2026. Understanding User Requirements for Creating Sensor-Powered Smart Car Cabins Through Retrofitting. In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’26). https://doi.org/10.1145/3772318.3790670
@inproceedings{yu2026smartcarcabins,
author = {Yu, Bofan and Li, BoRui and Zhang, Tingyu and Yang, Xing-Dong},
title = {Understanding User Requirements for Creating Sensor-Powered Smart Car Cabins Through Retrofitting},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1145/3772318.3790670},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3772318.3790670}
}