Ford taps Cambridge Experts to aid drivers with vision problems

Ford has joined forces with a team of experts from Cambridge University's Engineering Design Centre to gain a better understanding of visual impairment issues that come with an aging society and to use digital tools to better design vehicles for those with vision problems.

Some 285 million people worldwide suffer from some form of visual impairment, and of these, about 65 per cent are aged 50 and over.

With age, the ability to see fine details deteriorates, as does the ability to see in the dark. This means many drivers can struggle to read the instrument cluster while driving, unless they have bifocual or varifocal glasses. Other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, are also prevalent among those 50 and older.

Ford is using the software to study and optimise the design of its instrument displays, to ensure they can be safely and comfortably read by as many drivers as possible. The software also has been used to improve the design of mobile phones and for teaching inclusive design at several universities.