Age-related difference in perceptual responses and interface pressure requirements for driver seat design

Abstract

Due to typical physiological changes with age, older individuals are likely to have different perceptual responses to and different needs for driver-seat interface design. To assess this, a study was conducted in which a total of 22 younger and older participants completed six short-term driving sessions. Three subjective ratings (comfort, discomfort and overall) were obtained, along with 36 driver-seat interface pressure measures, and were used to assess differences and similarities between the two age groups. For both age groups, localised comfort ratings were more effective at distinguishing between driver seats and workspaces. Older individuals appeared to be less sensitive to discomfort than younger individuals. Across age groups, two distinct processes were used in determining whole-body comfort and discomfort perceptions based on localised comfort/discomfort perceptions. Whole-body discomfort levels were largely affected by lower back discomfort in the younger group versus upper back discomfort in the older group. Four specific pressure measures at several body regions differed between the age groups, suggesting distinct contract pressure requirements and loading patterns among these groups. Practitioner Summary: Driver seats appear to be differentiable only in terms of perceived comfort, but not in terms of perceived discomfort. Different pressure requirements for each age group and for each seat side should be considered comprehensively when designing driver seats and workspaces.