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Abstract
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PURPOSE: The instrument cluster format designs for vehicles of the future will be reconfigurable displays that can support a variety of user selections and preferences. There more older drivers on the road today than ever before and they are driving more miles per year than previous generations. Visual impairments and deficits in the processing of visual information are prevalent among older adults because conditions and diseases that negatively impact the visual pathway from eye to brain are common in later life. Even in those older adults relatively free of ocular or neurological conditions, there are changes in visual capabilities that are part of the aging process. While understanding the psycho-physical foundation of effective instrument cluster design is necessary to enhance the safety and performance of older drivers, what is equally important is an understanding of older drivers‘ attitudes and beliefs regarding vehicle instrumentation. The purpose of this study is to address this issue.
METHODS: A focus group methodology was developed to elicit preferences and attitudes of older drivers (≥ 65 years old) about vehicle instrumentation and the formatting of instrument clusters in vehicles. Eight groups were organized with 6-12 persons per group. Participants were representative of the ethnic/racial characteristics of north central Alabama. All participants were legally licensed drivers in the State of Alabama, currently drove, and owned a vehicle. Four groups represented the "young-old" (ages 65-74 years old) and 4 groups the "old-old" (≥ 75 years old); within this age stratification, 2 groups were men and 2 women. A trained facilitator used a pre-planned script (i.e., list of topics for discussion) to stimulate group discussion. The discussion was audiotaped and transcribed and submitted for content analysis by experienced coders with established inter-coder agreement.
RESULTS: Content analysis is in progress. Comments by focus group participants were coded into several content categories (e.g., gauges, knobs/switches, color, location, symbols, font etc.). Then each comment was categorized as having a positive descriptor (e.g., "works well", "simple to use"), negative descriptor (e.g., "confusing", "cluttered"), neutral (e.g., "doesn‘t make any difference to me"), or not applicable (comment describing something‘s existence with no positive, negative or neutral connotation). Content categories are being examined with respect to frequency of comment type (positive, negative, etc.), including stratifications for age and sex.
CONCLUSIONS: Results will provide guidance to engineers and designers of instrument format clusters for vehicles and will also inform the appropriate content and design of a large-sample survey of older drivers on this topic. |