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Core functions like HVAC and hazard lights deserve dedicated controls, but modern cars also need a type of input that can be used with a tablet-sized display. W

Core functions like HVAC and hazard lights deserve dedicated controls, but modern cars also need a type of input that can be used with a tablet-sized display. What to do? *Rotary Encoders* The best type of input for a car is a rotary encoder, a knob with tactile "clicks" that register as you turn it. Good ones can also be pressed down like a button, and moved in cardinal directions like a d-pad. Have one for your volume knob: pressing it down toggles muting. Have one for the main controls: twisting moves the cursor, swiping changes which app is selected. Have one on a steering wheel stalk, to cycle between display modes on one of the dashboard display's rounds. We need more rotary encoders.

Unklejoe 4y ago
BMW uses a rotary encoder for their iDrive thing. I have it in my 2011 3 series. People trash talk it, but I actually like it.
- illiarian 4y ago
  I hated it because the software was shit. I only used it in rentals, so additional shenanigans were probably going on, but what I remember: - on home screen icons for functionality would never stay in the same place. They were shuffled based on "recency" - in some menus you could only scroll to the very top and to the very bottom, in others the scrolling would wrap around - in some menus you went further down by shifting the knob right, in some by clicking And other minor and not so minor annoyances
LambdaComplex 4y ago
Sounds like you'd like Mazda. > Have one for your volume knob: pressing it down toggles muting. Check. > Have one for the main controls: twisting moves the cursor, swiping changes which app is selected. Check. > Good ones can also be pressed down like a button, and moved in cardinal directions like a d-pad. Check.
nottorp 4y ago
> Have one for the main controls: twisting moves the cursor, swiping changes which app is selected. And... take your eyes off the road to see where the cursor is?

Unklejoe 4y ago

BMW uses a rotary encoder for their iDrive thing. I have it in my 2011 3 series. People trash talk it, but I actually like it.

illiarian 4y ago
I hated it because the software was shit. I only used it in rentals, so additional shenanigans were probably going on, but what I remember: - on home screen icons for functionality would never stay in the same place. They were shuffled based on "recency" - in some menus you could only scroll to the very top and to the very bottom, in others the scrolling would wrap around - in some menus you went further down by shifting the knob right, in some by clicking And other minor and not so minor annoyances

LambdaComplex 4y ago

Sounds like you'd like Mazda. > Have one for your volume knob: pressing it down toggles muting. Check. > Have one for the main controls: twisting moves the cursor, swiping changes which app is selected. Check. > Good ones can also be pressed down like a button, and moved in cardinal directions like a d-pad. Check.

nottorp 4y ago

> Have one for the main controls: twisting moves the cursor, swiping changes which app is selected. And... take your eyes off the road to see where the cursor is?