The proportion of older people in the population is rising, as is the proportion of older women driving licence holders. The needs and abilities of older drivers therefore need to be considered in vehicle design. Following some initial focus groups an extensive nation-wide postal survey was conducted to ascertain the type and degree of problems associated with automotive design for older drivers and to guide further research into the most appropriate areas. Over a thousand questionnaires were received. Findings indicate that particular difficulties are experienced significantly more often by older drivers than younger drivers, in particular turning to look out of the rear window and getting in and out of the car. Reasons for these were ascertained and are reported here. The findings have guided a subsequent research project into the factors affecting ease of entry and exit by older drivers. Many of the vehicle design issues identified in this study relate to difficulties that occur due to drivers' agerelated changes. By designing for older people, who are a more sensitive indicator of poor design, young and old alike will be catered for. In order to achieve this older people must be used as a design resource throughout the development of a new car. This user-centred design approach, if applied to the fundamental architecture of the vehicles and to detail design aspects, will improve the likelihood that future car designs are suitable for a wide range of drivers, and that older drivers in particular are catered for. This study has guided further research by the author to produce clear guidelines on designing cars that are easy to get in and out of by older drivers, to better inform vehicle designers and engineers.


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    Title :

    Identification of vehicle design requirements for older drivers


    Additional title:

    Identifikation von Fahrzeugdesignanforderungen für ältere Fahrer


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Applied Ergonomics ; 36 , 3 ; 255-262


    Publication date :

    2005


    Size :

    8 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 18 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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