3 ms·
On my old car I could both read and write any value to the car without looking at the controls. That's important -- if I was feeling cold, but the temperature w
by fipple 8y ago
On my old car I could both read and write any value to the car without looking at the controls. That's important -- if I was feeling cold, but the temperature was set to where I wanted it, I'd turn on the seat warmer, as I knew I'd need to feel warmer only temporarily. Now I have to look at the controls all the damn time. One important thing was that all of the controls were asymmetric -- the buttons were all different sizes and positions, which looked awful if you were looking at it but YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE LOOKING AT IT. It made it really easy to just reach out a hand and know where on the surface you were.
There's a reason that many professionals who use computers for repetitive high-skill tasks (video editing, music production) have custom input hardware for it.
- HelloNurse 8y agoI had an interesting UI failure in my car today, with the knob that directs air to the windshield, middle and feet levels, with many intermediate combinations. Uncommonly, the knob can turn full circle, but it is not directional; I noticed it was turned 180° from the intended position only when I noticed I was sweating.
- dingaling 8y agoWas it a SAAB? Pre-GM they had amazing cockpits, well laid-out and as easy to use at night as day.
- digi_owl 8y agoI often wonder how much the environment the designers have to live in affect their designs. With the nordics being very dark and cold for half a year or more, being able to operate the vehicle in limited visibility would be paramount. Similarly, operating a capacitive touchscreen is not fun in -20C or colder.