Inclusive Vehicle Dashboard Design: Supporting Neuro diverse ADHD Drivers Through Visual Simplicity

As vehicle instrument clusters become increasingly digital and complex, concerns are growing about their impact on neuro diverse drivers.This study examines how two dashboard designsa minimalist and a high information density cluster -affect the situational awareness of adults with ADHD in SAE Level 0-2 vehicles.In an online session, six study participants were presented mid-fidelity dashboard prototypes, during which their situational understanding (assessed via the SART) and verbal feedback were recorded.Results indicate that the low-density dashboard significantly improved SART scores and lowered self-reported cognitive load compared to the high-density version.Participants perceived the simplified interface easier to process and less distracting.These results suggest that reducing visual complexity in vehicle dashboards can enhance safety and comfort for neuro diverse users.The study underscores the need for adaptive, cognitively accessible interfaces in automotive design and points to the value of inclusive design options in future research.