Older drivers are a rapidly growing demographic group worldwide; many have visual processing impairments. Little is known about their preferences about vehicle instrument cluster design. We evaluated the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on “dashboard” design for a population-based sample of 1000 older drivers. Topics included gauges, knobs/switches, and interior lighting; items were statements about their visual design. Response options used a Likert-scale (“Definitely True” to “Definitely False”). Factor and Rasch analyses identified underlying subscales. Driver responses revealed four thematic subscales fitting the Rasch model: cognitive processing, lighting, pattern recognition, and obstructions. Internal consistency of subscales was acceptable (0.70–0.87); all possessed a sufficiently unidimensional structure. Opportunities for improvement were identified (item scope, category ordering, discrimination of respondents’ perception levels). Assessment of motor vehicle dashboard preferences indicated cognitive processing, lighting, pattern recognition, and obstructions are areas relevant to older drivers. Future work will examine the relationship between older drivers’ visual function (e.g., contrast sensitivity, visual processing speed) and their design preferences as revealed by the Dashboard Questionnaire, with the aim to optimize instrument cluster displays for older drivers.

Eco-driving is one way in which car emissions can be reduced. Gamification, as a type of persuasive technology, has the potential to encourage eco-driving by making it competitive and rewarding. We suggest a research plan to construct a preliminary theoretical foundation to map the connection between information communicated to the driver and eco-driving on two dimensions: the type of reward awarded to the driver and the social and community aspects of eco-driving.