This study contributes to the growth of design
knowledge in China, where vehicle design for the
older user is in its initial developmental stages.
To better understand older Chinese users' future
needs, this study identified six need categories:
safety, utility, comfort, identity, emotion and
spirituality. The interrelationships among these
categories are seen as an interactive structure,
rather than as a hierarchical arrangement. Chinese
culture play a dynamic role in shaping the travel
needs of older users. This study suggests that a
comprehensive explanation exists if designers can
identify the vehicle's meaning and property
associated with the older users' needs. The user's
needs will vary, and must be related to particular
technological, social, and cultural context. The
theoretical contributions of this study provide a
series of methodological approaches from a vehicle
design perspective. It suggests a basic framework
for the new design process which might assist in the
design of new vehicles to fulfil the needs of
future, aging Chinese generations. The models have
the potential to be transferred to other design
domains and cultural contexts.
knowledge in China, where vehicle design for the
older user is in its initial developmental stages.
To better understand older Chinese users' future
needs, this study identified six need categories:
safety, utility, comfort, identity, emotion and
spirituality. The interrelationships among these
categories are seen as an interactive structure,
rather than as a hierarchical arrangement. Chinese
culture play a dynamic role in shaping the travel
needs of older users. This study suggests that a
comprehensive explanation exists if designers can
identify the vehicle's meaning and property
associated with the older users' needs. The user's
needs will vary, and must be related to particular
technological, social, and cultural context. The
theoretical contributions of this study provide a
series of methodological approaches from a vehicle
design perspective. It suggests a basic framework
for the new design process which might assist in the
design of new vehicles to fulfil the needs of
future, aging Chinese generations. The models have
the potential to be transferred to other design
domains and cultural contexts.