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.