An emerging framework to inform effective design of human-machine interfaces for older adults using connected autonomous vehicles

Abstract

Connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) represent an exciting opportunity for wider access to mobility; especially for individuals unable to drive manual vehicles. Interaction with CAVs will be through human-machine interfaces (HMIs) providing journey-related and other information with some interactivity. These should be designed with potential users as part of a co-design process to maximize acceptance, engagement, and trust. This paper presents an emerging framework to inform the design of in-vehicle CAV HMIs with a focus on older adults (70-years+). These could be amongst early adopters of CAVs and tend to have the highest level of cognitive, sensory, and physical impairments. Whilst there are numerous principles on HMI design for older adults there are fewer on HMIs for AVs, and a need for research on CAV HMI design principles for older adults. Our emerging framework is novel and important for designers of CAV HMIs for older adults and other potential users.