"Getting into the Chevrolet Equinox is so easy, its owners may never notice. The small crossover’s narrow rocker panels require minimal reach to step over, and its seat height requires minimal bending. Equinox’s ease of entry is just one example of Chevrolet’s use of universal design, an approach that makes products of all kinds work for as many people as possible.
Consumers experience universal design every day, from sidewalk ramps to lever-style door handles. For most people, universal design adds convenience, but for people with limited range of motion, it can be a difference maker. A rear vision camera, programmable liftgate and easy-to-use touch screen controls are examples of Equinox’s ease-of-use features.
Ease of use is increasingly important to car design as automakers adapt to changing consumer demographics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 65-and-older population is projected to grow to more than 71 million by 2030, and will account for 20 percent of the nation’s citizenry. That means more car buyers will be dealing with age-related issues that affect range of motion, eyesight, hearing, reflexes and cognition – issues that General Motors has studied in depth and has already begun to address in many of its vehicles such as the Equinox.
“We never design vehicles specifically for older consumers, but we increasingly integrate design solutions that work for all users, regardless of age,” said Carl Wellborn, senior staff engineer and project manager, GM Design and Technology Fusion. “Designs that make life easier for older users also work for younger users. Universal design is the key to unlocking usability solutions and implementing them successfully.”
Wellborn presented GM’s findings on increasing product value for an aging global market at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s national convention last year. The research was based on dozens of interviews with consumers who ranged in age from 21 to 65 and older." [Read more]
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