Abstract
A design research study was conducted to investigate a topic that many are calling an imminent crisis – the needs of older drivers. Undertaken in conjunction with the Ergonomics and Biomechanics Department at New York University and the Design Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, this study explores automobile instrument panel design and the driving capabilities of younger and older drivers. The study looks at the following factors pertinent to the design of instrument panels: 1) the affect of deterred visual attention on vehicle control. 2) drivers' abilities to reach for the instrument panel without looking. 3) differences in reach accuracy between younger and older drivers. 4) differences in vehicle control between younger and older drivers. Forty-eight drivers, aged 20 to 40 and 60 to 80 years, participated. Findings include: - For all drivers, steering accuracy is impaired when reaching. - Steering impairment is worse for older drivers. - Controls both closest and furthest from the steering wheel elicit better accuracy. - Locating the control by touch, rather than glance, results in more accurate reaches. - Older drivers are less accurate than younger drivers. - Older drivers reach faster, possibly the result of driving strategy. - Errors are systematic - drivers consistently reached too far and too low. This study was designed and conducted to address the specific needs of a vehicle design team. Recommendations for automobile instrument panel design, as well as design methodology, are discussed.
Citation
Formosa, D. (2002) Automobile instrument panels for the real world, in Durling, D. and Shackleton, J. (eds.), Common Ground - DRS International Conference 2002, 5-7 September, London, United Kingdom. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2002/researchpapers/26
Automobile instrument panels for the real world
A design research study was conducted to investigate a topic that many are calling an imminent crisis – the needs of older drivers. Undertaken in conjunction with the Ergonomics and Biomechanics Department at New York University and the Design Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, this study explores automobile instrument panel design and the driving capabilities of younger and older drivers. The study looks at the following factors pertinent to the design of instrument panels: 1) the affect of deterred visual attention on vehicle control. 2) drivers' abilities to reach for the instrument panel without looking. 3) differences in reach accuracy between younger and older drivers. 4) differences in vehicle control between younger and older drivers. Forty-eight drivers, aged 20 to 40 and 60 to 80 years, participated. Findings include: - For all drivers, steering accuracy is impaired when reaching. - Steering impairment is worse for older drivers. - Controls both closest and furthest from the steering wheel elicit better accuracy. - Locating the control by touch, rather than glance, results in more accurate reaches. - Older drivers are less accurate than younger drivers. - Older drivers reach faster, possibly the result of driving strategy. - Errors are systematic - drivers consistently reached too far and too low. This study was designed and conducted to address the specific needs of a vehicle design team. Recommendations for automobile instrument panel design, as well as design methodology, are discussed.