Bigger in-car video displays coming
#1
Bigger in-car video displays coming
Shift from huge in-car screens may be under way – but first, they’ll get bigger
These displays are very distracting. I don't even like the EX touch screen. I cannot imagine the Chinese car's display, at 49" wide. Thankfully that Chinese car will never make it to our shores.
Just because manufacturers offer it does not mean it is safe or even desirable. manufacturers are just pushing the current limits of usability and acceptability. I'm not into gadgets for my vehicle. My UI training tells me these displays distract drivers and therefore reduce safety. Call me old.
These displays are very distracting. I don't even like the EX touch screen. I cannot imagine the Chinese car's display, at 49" wide. Thankfully that Chinese car will never make it to our shores.
Just because manufacturers offer it does not mean it is safe or even desirable. manufacturers are just pushing the current limits of usability and acceptability. I'm not into gadgets for my vehicle. My UI training tells me these displays distract drivers and therefore reduce safety. Call me old.
With bigger screens comes the potential for bigger distraction.
If it’s illegal to drive while holding an iPad because it’s too distracting, how is it safe to use an iPad-sized screen mounted on the dashboard?
Every auto maker will tell you they go to great lengths to ensure these big screens are safe and not distracting to the driver. However, there’s no universal safety standard, and there’s no question these screens are more distracting than the old standard: an AM/FM radio.
If it’s illegal to drive while holding an iPad because it’s too distracting, how is it safe to use an iPad-sized screen mounted on the dashboard?
Every auto maker will tell you they go to great lengths to ensure these big screens are safe and not distracting to the driver. However, there’s no universal safety standard, and there’s no question these screens are more distracting than the old standard: an AM/FM radio.
#4
I'm not a huge fan of infotainment monster touch screens.
But it seems to me, how "distracting" they are, is entirely up to us, as drivers. I choose what I want to look at, and what I want to ignore. Also, just because a screen is big, doesn't mean all the screen is being used by whatever is being displayed all the time.
One could argue, just a regular dash board is distracting. Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Gauge, Trip computer, put that aside whatever you happen to be using in the actual touch screen, radio, clock, or other entertainment interface, built in navigation and/or a stand alone.
The age of distraction is already upon us.
I don't like huge touch screens, but they really are a symptom of what is already here.
I'm sure automobile manufacturers will search for that "sweet spot" of what people want the most, and like the most.
What would concern me, is I have yet to ever have any touch screen of any size that wasn't occasionally rendered impossible to see, with some glare and light.
If the information being shown is directly tied to the basics of driving, speed, fuel etc. That could be problematic.
With the Fit, I can always see what speed I'm going, and how much fuel I have left. Sometimes if the sun hits the touch screen? I can't see it at all.
PS.
Related side rant. My least favorite Dash Design element is the "Mazda" infotainment screen that looks like a removable tablet inserted into the dash, but it isn't. Other manufacturers have also adopted this look. IMO if something isn't removable, don't make it look like it is.
But it seems to me, how "distracting" they are, is entirely up to us, as drivers. I choose what I want to look at, and what I want to ignore. Also, just because a screen is big, doesn't mean all the screen is being used by whatever is being displayed all the time.
One could argue, just a regular dash board is distracting. Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Gauge, Trip computer, put that aside whatever you happen to be using in the actual touch screen, radio, clock, or other entertainment interface, built in navigation and/or a stand alone.
The age of distraction is already upon us.
I don't like huge touch screens, but they really are a symptom of what is already here.
I'm sure automobile manufacturers will search for that "sweet spot" of what people want the most, and like the most.
What would concern me, is I have yet to ever have any touch screen of any size that wasn't occasionally rendered impossible to see, with some glare and light.
If the information being shown is directly tied to the basics of driving, speed, fuel etc. That could be problematic.
With the Fit, I can always see what speed I'm going, and how much fuel I have left. Sometimes if the sun hits the touch screen? I can't see it at all.
PS.
Related side rant. My least favorite Dash Design element is the "Mazda" infotainment screen that looks like a removable tablet inserted into the dash, but it isn't. Other manufacturers have also adopted this look. IMO if something isn't removable, don't make it look like it is.
Last edited by fitchet; 05-04-2018 at 11:54 AM.
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TheDandee
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02-26-2015 10:59 AM