Research Question/Objective:​ Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are found increasingly commonly in modern day cars. These systems should have their interfaces adapted to the target population to be completely effective and help prevent accidents. Our study is focused on the improvement in interface design of Blind Spot Warnings (BSWs). This ADAS is particularly relevant to issues with older driver’s physical limitations, errors with blind-spot checking and accident characteristics. However, the standard blind spot detection interface is often designed without taking into account age related visual impairment.

Methods and Data Sources:​ A BSWs interface adapted to major visual impairment was developed and studied. A driving simulator study was conducted, in which 14 participants aged from 62 to 76 took part, to compare our BSWs interface with a conventional BSWs interface. Participants performed two series of lane change tasks, with potential side collision scenarios, for each interface. Both subjective and objective data (oculometry, vehicle parameters) were collected.

Results:​ The results show that driving performance and comfort are enhanced by our dedicated interface. Drivers spend more time concentrating on the road with fewer fixations on the interface. It helps the driver keep their vision on the road by providing information in their peripheral vision. It also provides less disturbance while driving and is perceived as more useful.

Discussion and Limitations:​ The interface has been tested with older drivers with relatively normal vision. As a next step, it will be necessary to test this interface with patients with greater deficits.

Conclusion and Relevance to session submitted:​ The findings of this research may help interface designers to create ADAS interfaces adapted for the older driver population.