A Study of Vehicle Central Control Panel Interface Design for Female Driver
The design of vehicle central consoles interface typically considers the general population as primary users, overlooking the specific needs of particular demographics such as female drivers. This design gap has become increasingly significant as the number of female drivers continues to grow. While the complex configuration of dashboards and control consoles aims to enhance vehicle operation efficiency, it may create inconvenience for female drivers.
This research systematically analyzes multiple vehicle models, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of different console designs. Through questionnaire surveys, the requirements of female drivers for various functions are quantified. Combined with expert opinions, design standards for control consoles suitable for female drivers are established.
The research findings provide an empirical foundation for the automobile manufacturing industry to optimize future vehicle design solutions.
Research Methodology
This research investigates female drivers' functional requirements for vehicle central control interfaces to establish a theoretical foundation for design development. Using mixed methodology of questionnaires and expert interviews, it analyzes the relationship between function requirements and button configuration, proposing innovative center console designs based on women drivers' practical needs.
Phase One
Through questionnaire surveys, understand female drivers' functional requirements for vehicle central console interface and their preferences regarding interface aesthetics.
Phase Two
Through literature review, establish key elements for interface design, and analyze the functions and layout advantages/disadvantages of currently marketed vehicle interfaces. Summarize design characteristics of case studies as reference for subsequent creative development.
Phase Three
Combine the results from Phase One questionnaires and case analyses, and incorporate interface design principles and recommendations established from literature review to create the vehicle central console interface design for this research.
Phase Four
Through Phase Two questionnaire surveys, evaluate the created design against commercially available vehicle models; conduct TOPSIS evaluation calculations after Phase Three questionnaire surveys to determine the optimal design solution. Finally, conduct expert interviews to assess whether this research's vehicle central console interface design meets female drivers' functional requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Design Concept
Based on the four aesthetic categories identified in the questionnaire, this research created designs with further subdivision into two variants depending on the presence of display screens, resulting in a total of eight vehicle central console interface designs.
The design concept emphasizes "horizontal visual development" and "incorporation of female-oriented product elements" in the detailed interface design.
Design Evaluation and Validation
This research evaluated designs through two parts: questionnaire surveys and expert interviews. Phase Two questionnaires validated design alignment with female drivers' preferences for form and interface. Phase Three used TOPSIS ( methodology to identify optimal interface solutions. Expert interviews with industry practitioners and designers provided objective assessment and recommendations.
Conclusion
Functional Requirements
Through design development, it was found that female drivers have relatively higher demand for Display screens, Satellite navigation systems, Clock and Dual-Zone Climate Control functions compared to other features, as well as requirements for dual-zone climate control.
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A definite need for display screens, with preference for larger screen sizes.
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Some female drivers indicated they owned vehicles without Satellite navigation systems , but expressed high demand for it.
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Found that female drivers' demand for clock functionality is not lower than for other functions.
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Discovered that female drivers may own vehicles without this function and may be unaware of this feature, but after researcher explanation, they indicated a need for it.
Display screens and navigation systems require integrated information system development. As these elements are interconnected, manufacturers should focus on developing comprehensive interface functions through integrated systems.
Interface Design, Form, and Layout Preferences
Female drivers prefer trapezoid shapes for vehicle central console interface forms; they prefer horizontal arrangement for interface angle; and they prefer horizontal arrangement for button layout. This research's Trapezoidal 3 interface design—whether in planar design or three-dimensional structure—was identified as the most preferred operational interface among female drivers.