A novel autonomous vehicle interface for older adults with cognitive impairment

The population of older Americans with cognitive impairments, especially memory loss, is growing. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to improve the mobility of older adults with cognitive impairment; however, there are still concerns regarding AVs’ usability and accessibility in this population. Study objectives were to (1) better understand the needs and requirements of older adults with mild and moderate cognitive impairments regarding AVs, and (2) create a prototype for a holistic, user-friendly interface for AV interactions. An initial (Generation 1) prototype was designed based on the literature and usability principles. Based on the findings of phone interviews and focus group meetings with older adults and caregivers (n = 23), an enhanced interface (Generation 2) was developed. This generation 2 prototype has the potential to reduce the mental workload and anxiety of older adults in their interactions with AVs and can inform the design of future in-vehicle information systems for older adults.