Title: Characteristics and human factors of older drivers: improvement opportunities in automotive interior design

Authors: Susana C.F. Fernandes; Jose L. Esteves; Ricardo Simoes

Addresses: PhD Design-University of Aveiro (UA), Portugal; Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Campus do IPCA, Barcelos, 4750-810, Portugal ' Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), Porto, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Energy Transports and Aeronautics INEGI/LAETA, University of Porto, Portugal ' Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Campus do IPCA, Barcelos, 4750-810, Portugal; Institute for Polymers and Composites IPC/I3N, University of Minho, Guimaraes, 4800-058, Portugal

Abstract: This paper analyses the characteristics and human factors of older drivers and how those can influence the driving experience. This research analyses recent studies in ergonomics, interaction and influence of the technologies applied to design of the physical interfaces and their respective in-vehicle devices, with the aim of identifying improvement opportunities in enabling usability design for on-board tasks. The research methodology is descriptive with a collection of baseline studies within the auto industry, ergonomics, health and the mobility and behaviour of older drivers. It is concluded that even the latest car models do not fully provide the highest levels of safety and comfort that could be achieved, with some manufacturers opting to include extra resources to mitigate the changes that result from ageing and driving. It is suggested to create automotive interior design recommendations in a way that improves the safety, comfort and inclusion of older drivers.

Keywords: automotive interior design; human factors; seniors; older drivers; ergonomics; inclusive design; vehicle safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2017.086418

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2017 Vol.74 No.3, pp.167 - 203

Received: 05 Aug 2016
Accepted: 10 Feb 2017
Published online: 10 Sep 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article