An Inclusive Model for External Human Machine Interfaces of Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) can help people with disabilities and Older Adults (PDOA) move from one place to another without needing help from other people. This perspective has motivated prior literature to work on developing AVs and conducting studies to understand the perception of PDOA people. However, more research must be conducted to understand the external interaction between PDOA and AVs via an external Human Machine Interface (eHMI). In this article, we have discussed how different disability conditions restrict PDOA from getting the full benefits of AVs. Consequently, we have envisioned an eHMI design to solve the “Inclusivity” and accessibility issues. Finally, we have discussed our model based on the Universal Design (UD) principles, pointed out a few future research directions in this field of an inclusive eHMI, and talked about what this inclusive design will mean for PDOA people and the feasibility of implementing this model in the real world.