How can you use ergonomics and human factors to design safer cars?

1 Understand the users

The first step to design safer cars is to understand who will use them and what are their characteristics, expectations, and goals. This involves conducting user research, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and tests, to collect data on the demographics, preferences, behaviors, and abilities of the potential users. You can use this data to create user personas, scenarios, and journey maps that represent the typical users and their needs and pain points. These tools can help you empathize with the users and design cars that meet their requirements and expectations.

2 Apply ergonomic principles

The second step to design safer cars is to apply ergonomic principles to the physical aspects of the car, such as the shape, size, layout, and features of the interior and exterior. Ergonomic principles help you ensure that the car is comfortable, accessible, and adaptable for the users. For example, you can use anthropometric data, which is the measurement of human body dimensions, to design seats, steering wheels, pedals, and controls that fit the users' body size and posture. You can also use ergonomic guidelines, such as the NHTSA's Human Factors Design Guidelines for Driver-Vehicle Interfaces, to design displays, indicators, buttons, and switches that are easy to see, reach, and operate.

3 Consider human factors

The third step to design safer cars is to consider human factors that affect the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of the car use. Human factors help you understand how the users perceive, process, and respond to information, stimuli, and situations while driving. For example, you can use human factors principles, such as the ISO's Human-Centred Design Process for Interactive Systems, to design interfaces, feedback, and alerts that are clear, consistent, and intuitive for the users. You can also use human factors methods, such as usability testing, heuristic evaluation, and cognitive walkthrough, to evaluate the usability, learnability, and satisfaction of the users with the car features and functions.

4 Incorporate safety features

The fourth step to design safer cars is to incorporate safety features that protect the users from potential hazards and risks while driving. Safety features help you prevent or reduce the severity of accidents, injuries, and damages caused by human errors, environmental factors, or technical failures. For example, you can use safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, anti-lock braking systems, and collision avoidance systems, to provide passive and active protection for the users in case of a crash. You can also use safety features, such as backup cameras, blind spot monitors, and lane departure warnings, to assist the users in avoiding or overcoming difficult or dangerous driving situations.

5 Test and improve the design

The fifth step to design safer cars is to test and improve the design based on the feedback and performance of the users. Testing and improving the design help you identify and solve any problems, issues, or gaps that may affect the safety, usability, and satisfaction of the users. For example, you can use testing methods, such as crash tests, field trials, and simulations, to measure and evaluate the safety, reliability, and durability of the car components and systems. You can also use testing methods, such as user testing, A/B testing, and eye tracking, to measure and evaluate the usability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the car features and functions.

6 Follow the standards and regulations

The sixth step to design safer cars is to follow the standards and regulations that apply to the automotive industry and the specific markets where the cars will be sold. Standards and regulations help you ensure that the cars comply with the minimum requirements and expectations for safety, quality, and performance. For example, you can follow the standards and regulations, such as the FMVSS, the ECE, and the NCAP, that define and specify the safety criteria, tests, and ratings for the car components and systems. You can also follow the standards and regulations, such as the ADA, the GDPR, and the COPPA, that define and specify the accessibility, privacy, and security requirements for the car features and functions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?