Towards Public-Drone Interactions: Communicating Delivery Intentions to Recipients and Bystanders

Paper in proceeding, 2026

Drones are increasingly used for package delivery in public spaces, interacting with people either as recipients or bystanders. Clear communication of a drone’s vertical motion intentions is key to reducing perceived uncertainty and improving public trust. This study explores how delivery methods and visual interfaces influence perceived uncertainty. In an online study, 27 participants were assigned to either a recipient or bystander role and watched videos of drones delivering packages by landing or hovering while lowering a package via cable. Each condition was shown with or without a visual interface (onboard lights, display, or ground projection). Participants rated the scenarios on uncertainty, understandability, predictability, and trust. This work-in-progress study presents findings for the bystander role. Results indicate that visual interfaces—particularly displays—reduced perceived uncertainty and improved predictability and trust. These findings highlight the importance of intent-signaling interfaces in public drone interactions. In critical contexts such as law enforcement and emergency response, the interfaces have the potential to enhance communication, safety, and public cooperation.