http://jalopnik.com/this-first-look-at-the-tesla-model-3s-dash-controls-is-1797857601
This is coming from someone that has a background in UI design.
This is coming from someone that has a background in UI design.
Jalopnik: Model 3 HVAC UI = Stupid
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
Joined
·
4,890 Posts
Just a reason to sell their AutoPilot...
You are quick with the negative articles about the Model 3! LOL That said, the interface seems to be seriously flawed IMO. I don't particularly like the first generation Volt interface which is very console centric. It's just difficult to move your fingers around the screen when you've moving. This seemingly takes it to a whole new level.
As for the guy in the video waxing eloquent about it, note he's in the passenger seat, he's not trying to drive, and he still seems to be having some problem getting the icons where he wants them. IOW what works for you iPhone may not work so well when you're driving.
As for the guy in the video waxing eloquent about it, note he's in the passenger seat, he's not trying to drive, and he still seems to be having some problem getting the icons where he wants them. IOW what works for you iPhone may not work so well when you're driving.
I'm off my game..... article was posted 2 days ago!
Joined
·
9,953 Posts
I have test driven many vehicles and I do prefer real buttons, knobs, and levels instead of a touch screen because there is no tactile feedback to acknowledge that you are touching the right control without taking my eyes off the road. My 2009 Chevy Equinox has several controls on the steering wheel, and the most I use are for the entertainment system (I have no Navigation so I only manage music and phone). I can make and receive calls using those buttons and the Equinox's Bluetooth connection to the phone.
My sister-in-law, who drives only Mercedes-Benz, was astonished that my Chevy had more features then her car which cost over twice the Equinox's cost! She bought a newer model in 2012.
if newer cars loose their mechanical features for a touchscreen, we cannot trust what we are doing unless we are looking AT THE SCREEN. So if the Model 3 is like that, we can expect to read local news about accidents caused by Model 3 drivers not looking out.
Edit: After seeing the video, I wonder how does the "touch screen" change a physical characteristic such as air direction? Are the vent motorized? If so, that is another possible point of failure, and a hassle for cleaning when the vent need to be removed. I can adjust my vents in less than three seconds each and without looking at any.
My sister-in-law, who drives only Mercedes-Benz, was astonished that my Chevy had more features then her car which cost over twice the Equinox's cost! She bought a newer model in 2012.
if newer cars loose their mechanical features for a touchscreen, we cannot trust what we are doing unless we are looking AT THE SCREEN. So if the Model 3 is like that, we can expect to read local news about accidents caused by Model 3 drivers not looking out.
Edit: After seeing the video, I wonder how does the "touch screen" change a physical characteristic such as air direction? Are the vent motorized? If so, that is another possible point of failure, and a hassle for cleaning when the vent need to be removed. I can adjust my vents in less than three seconds each and without looking at any.
Putting everything on the touch screen is a bold move and a Tesla signature. It makes the car seem very high-tech, which buyers seem to love. I agree there are trade-offs with this approach, and the Gen 1 Volt is a good example of this, which they fixed in Gen 2 by adding physical buttons for HVAC and other functions. But IMO, this is a minor point that owners will not mind. Keeping the system set to automatic mode does not require much fiddling while driving, so it does not have to be a constant problem. As for the visual contrast of the slider, that is the kind of thing that can be easily tweaked as the software is refined and updated over the air.
I think owners will regard it the same way I regard my Gen 1 HVAC controls. A quirk of the car that could have been better, but of no real significance.
I think owners will regard it the same way I regard my Gen 1 HVAC controls. A quirk of the car that could have been better, but of no real significance.
Joined
·
1,888 Posts
I've got concerns about the all-touchscreen approach, particularly if it requires precise touches to work, since it's hard to keep a steady hand while the vehicle is moving.
But (apart from the vent aiming) I honestly don't think the climate controls will be much worse than the Gen 1 Volt with its capacitive touch buttons and poorly organized menu structure on the touchscreen.
But (apart from the vent aiming) I honestly don't think the climate controls will be much worse than the Gen 1 Volt with its capacitive touch buttons and poorly organized menu structure on the touchscreen.
Don't they sell Volts where you live?
Joined
·
4,890 Posts
Joined
·
184 Posts
When I looked at the interactive version of the UI that was linked on TMC, I thought it was a really refreshingly clear interface. You could just sit there for a couple of minutes before driving and find all of the settings for the car. No obscure menus or buttons. The organization seemed great. As far as the issue of adjusting stuff while driving, that is an issue that I had with the Gen I volt so I may have it here as well. It may be moderated by having autopilot. Also its possible, though I haven't read any comments, that the "personalities" that can be stored in the premium version include all of the stuff that can be set from the UI not just the seat, mirrors and steering wheel. That would go a long way to reducing the need to mess with the controls. At least for me in a 2 driver family.
Hey, maybe we need to cut Tesla a break. This UI may not actually be the "final" UI that non-Tesla employees will get with their cars, but just a beta version. As many PC game publishers do, Tesla delivered "on time" with an unfinished release version and will issue patches to the vehicle at a later date! This is how Tesla "breaks the mold" and is superior to the traditional automakers: adding features via OTA updates that should have been included with the vehicle from the start, then crow about how "cutting edge" they are.
Joined
·
4,237 Posts
That UI is not only hard to see (lack of contrast) it's also hard to use. It's too far a reach for the driver and it forces the driver to take their eyes off the road for way too long to reroute the air flow. It looks like change for change's sake and no human factor engineering went into the design.
I agree with Jalopnik's assessment and give that UI design a "F".
I agree with Jalopnik's assessment and give that UI design a "F".
Joined
·
1,264 Posts
"Every modification is not necessarily an improvement"
I really like my trucks HVAC. Hit auto button, then turn knob till whatever temp you want displays. Each click of the knob is a degree if you want to tweak the temperature without looking. Aim vent as desired. Dual zone so passenger can play the same game without distracting the driver.
I really like my trucks HVAC. Hit auto button, then turn knob till whatever temp you want displays. Each click of the knob is a degree if you want to tweak the temperature without looking. Aim vent as desired. Dual zone so passenger can play the same game without distracting the driver.
Joined
·
9,953 Posts
I have been waiting since 2011.
Joined
·
9,953 Posts
So these Model 3 units are not finished products? Then they are not true sales, either! Traditional automakers (GM and Ford) only sell true finished and tested products. And Tesla patches are that: a "patch" or a quick and dirty fix "that should have been included with the vehicle from the start" (I worked with computers since 1972 and I know what a "patch" is). None of my GM vehicles sine 1976 need any "fixes" after purchasing. And only my 1995 Buick Regal has a recall to replace the two rear brake hoses which could had been worn off by the tires. Replacement was free.Hey, maybe we need to cut Tesla a break. This UI may not actually be the "final" UI that non-Tesla employees will get with their cars, but just a beta version. As many PC game publishers do, Tesla delivered "on time" with an unfinished release version and will issue patches to the vehicle at a later date! This is how Tesla "breaks the mold" and is superior to the traditional automakers: adding features via OTA updates that should have been included with the vehicle from the start, then crow about how "cutting edge" they are.
I see this more as "inferior" to GM and Ford. Would you eat meals from a cook that comes to your table and "fixes" the meal just served to you?
There was a link posted that shows Volts available in Puerto Rico.
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
