Ford has a virtual reality lab, where they can digitally mock up any vehicle in the inventory. Then using a motion capture system they can determine exactly how test subjects interact with control surfaces withing the vehicle.

The Denso Passenger Eye Can Save Your Life

No one wants to be part of an accident. Most of the accidents are caused by ‘sleepy drivers’ who inspite of being ‘dead’ tired, still want to drive. So to make things safer, the Denso Passenger Eye is here. The device features an advanced camera that detects facial expressions and verifies whether the driver is tired. If so, it will trigger multiple alerts, which include flashing lights, to even displaying the nearest coffee shop on its dashboard screen.

The device also pairs automatically with your iPhone (or any other smartphone), so that you can safely make (or accept) hands-free calls. TheDenso Passenger Eye is still in a rather concept stage though, and was on display in the North American International Auto Show.

Software Aims to Reduce Road Rage

Cars may eventually become capable of harvesting huge amounts of data from drivers, but what will this data be used for? Stanford Professor, Cliff Nass, explains how the Car Lab will improve driving safety and make in-car advertising effective.

Keep it simple, Keep it clear!

I contacted Filip Krnja few day ago and got a some really helpful hints.

Filip Krnja is a research associate and author of the 'Connected Car' study which I mentioned in this blog few month ago. He sent me an excellent video with his presentation about this project.

Everyone who is interested in Inclusive Design, Universal Design and Sustainable Design Methods, Tools and Approaches - MUST WATCH!

He also wrote me that HHC released a very comprehensive guide to inclusive design: 'Innovating with People - The business of Inclusive Design'.
Please see this LINK.

Thanks for that Filip. You truly inspire me!

Sebastian Thrun: Google's Driverless Car

Sebastian Thrun helped build Google's amazing driverless car, powered by a very personal quest to save lives and reduce traffic accidents. Jawdropping video shows the DARPA Challenge-winning car motoring through busy city traffic with no one behind the wheel, and dramatic test drive footage from TED2011 demonstrates how fast the thing can really go.

http://www.ted.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_driverless_car

Car Measurement Information Project

Collection of car measurement data on an ongoing basis to provide comparative consumer information on different car models for older and disabled people. The data focuses on ease of getting in and out of the cars and storing equipment in the boot. Ongoing. See Car Measurement Guide. Clients: Motability Operations Ltd and International Research & Testing Ltd.

Cars Going Supersize

Rising obesity levels mean car makers are having to go to ever more elaborate lengths to accommodate supersized drivers. Mercedes is testing stronger version of the grab handles, so they can cope with extra weight of heavier passengers hauling themselves out of their seats. Ford has increased the size of dashboard buttons so that drivers with large 'sausage' fingers don't accidentally press several at once. And many manufacturers now offer electrically powered steering wheels that lift away from the driver when the engine is turned off, to aid and easier gateway.

Manufacturers are taking a scientific approach to the problem, too. BMW has recruited a group of 800 'guinea pigs' to study mobility in a car's cabin - to help it ensure its models can fit 95% of body size. The firm has developed seats with "comfort adjusters" - adjustable side bolsters that will grip thinner occupants and still be comfortable for larger ones.

Ford and Nissan have created fat suits for engineers to wear while developing control systems, so that buttons can be placed in convenient locations for larger drivers. The suit is responsible for the movement of the hazard light button from below the steering wheel to the top of dashboard.

Examples of inclusive design solutions:

  -  Steering Wheel: Lifts away from driver when engine is switched off for easy exit from car.

  -  Dashboard Buttons: Strategically placed and bigger accommodate 'sausage' fingers.

  -  Hazard Light: Button moved from under steering wheel to top of dash for easy access.

  -  Seats: Adjustable side bolsters allow larger drivers to get comfortable.

By John Morgan

AutoExpress No. 1119

2-8 November 2011