Citation

Seder T, Levy M, Riegelman A, Szczerba J. Eye Auto 2009; 2009: 37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The US Census Bureau pegs the 65 and older population at 37.4 million (12.4% of the population) in 2008. Due to the demographic perturbation of the baby boom generation, this number is expected to grow to 71.5 M (20% of the population ) by 2030. Thus, it is essential that the human machine interface of automotive products accommodate age-related human performance depreciation, which includes; vision system changes, cognitive impairment, physical frailties, and hearing changes. While design is typically guided via the tools of traditional User Centered Design, these methods are insufficient at uncovering the needs of aged drivers. Consequently, we are developing a set of design guidelines for aged driver interfaces that is based in medical science. After presenting an overview of these guidelines, we will present a visual interface design that accommodates contrast sensitivity loss, color space reduction, clutter sensitivity, increased accommodation time, reduced light gathering power, reduced visual field and increased glare sensitivity. The design also features controls that were created and operate via the design-by-metaphor principles. These controls include the steering wheel, steering wheel controls, stalks, the shifter and door handles. Plans for user testing of the full interface in the R&D HMI Systems and Driving Simulator Facility will also be presented.