CHAPTER 18: SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THESE DESIGN GUIDELINES
The human factors design guidelines presented here are applicable to the design of ATIS devices. In-vehicle ATIS devices have been the primary focus of the ATIS research community, and much of the empirical work that has been used to form the basis of these guidelines has been generated in the context of an in-vehicle ATIS. Kiosk, hotel, portable, and Internet-based ATIS devices and applications have become widespread in recent years. To the extent possible, these guidelines have been developed for use during the development of each of these ATIS applications.
Furthermore, these guidelines are applicable to the broad range of information that might be conveyed to private and commercial drivers through an ATIS. Such information includes, of course, routing and guidance information; but it also includes signing, safety and warning information, as well as motorist services.
As discussed in many of the individual design guidelines contained in this handbook, there are relatively few empirical data that are directly relevant and applicable to the design of ATIS devices. Thus, these preliminary design guidelines have been formulated through reviews and analyses of the best available data, including empirical research conducted as part of the guidelines development process. However, the content and organization of the document as a whole, as well as specific guidelines themselves, will undoubtedly be modified as additional empirical data become available. In that sense, this document should be considered a "living document" -- in process and subject to future revisions.