Screen and interface design have been taking over the consol in all automotive brands. Geared to capture the consumer’s attention and stand apart from the completion with larger and more attractive displays.
Over the next five-ten years, it will be interesting to see how many accidents are caused by distracted drivers. We have already seen the effects of distracted driving and new laws instated to help keep drivers’ eyes on the road and off their cell phones.
The focus has fallen away from improving the driving experience to providing entertainment.
It seems a bit contradictory that a phone is banned while driving however these large iPad-sized touch screens are meant to take their place.
- In 2019, distracted driving led to 3,142 fatalities, an estimated 424,000 injuries, and 15% of all police-reported vehicle traffic crashes on US roads. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2021) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
- Reading or writing increased the risk of crashing by 10 times. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2016) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
Using a hands-free electronic device is four times more distracting than talking to an adult passenger. (Driver’s Alert, 2017) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/) - Using a hands-free electronic device is four times more distracting than talking to an adult passenger. (Driver’s Alert, 2017) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
Until we have fully autonomous driverless cars this then becomes a non-issue. Screen entertainment and every element to make that car ride as entertaining and enjoyable as possible.
In Europe, they are already starting to make some headway with regulations. Automakers in Europe will soon be required to install monitors to detect driver distraction. Nothing has begun in North America.
Until then the solution is relatively simple. It lies in the hands of the automakers to make better design decisions. Looking at what technology we have today and how that can make the driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
Any piece of technology should enhance the driving experience instead of taking the user’s attention and focus away from the road.
Here are just a few solutions:
- Use voice control
- Create a heads-up projection display only showing the necessary information.
- Remove screens from the front dash entirely
- Minimalistic Design
- If screens are used reduce the size and always reverse the elements in dark mode.
- Keep controls or actions to 1 step vs 2-3 screens deep
- Reduce the number of inputs
- Any piece of technology should enhance the driving experience instead of taking attention away
https://slate.com/business/2023/04/cars-buttons-touch-screens-vw-porsche-nissan-hyundai.html
