←back to thread

Hidden interface controls that affect usability

(interactions.acm.org)
561 points cxr | 3 comments | 05 Jul 25 23:10 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
Show context
WarOnPrivacy ◴[06 Jul 25 00:57 UTC] No.44476845[source]▶
I drive a Toyota that is nearly old enough to run for US Senator. Every control in the car is visible, clearly labeled and is distinct to the touch - at all times. The action isn't impeded by routine activity or maintenance (ex:battery change).

Because it can be trivially duplicated, this is minimally capable engineering. Yet automakers everywhere lack even this level of competence. By reasonable measure, they are poor at their job.

replies(13): >>44476881 #>>44476892 #>>44477024 #>>44477518 #>>44477594 #>>44477656 #>>44478016 #>>44478375 #>>44480180 #>>44480505 #>>44481914 #>>44482166 #>>44482519 #
staplers ◴[06 Jul 25 01:04 UTC] No.44476881[source]▶

  Because it can be trivially duplicated
While I agree with your sentiment, designing and manufacturing custom molds for each knob and function (including premium versions) instead of just slapping a screen on the dash does have a cost.
replies(2): >>44476906 #>>44476911 #
1. WarOnPrivacy ◴[06 Jul 25 01:10 UTC] No.44476911{3}[source]▶
> designing and manufacturing custom molds for each knob and function ... dash does have a cost.

Manufacturing car components already involves designing and custom molds, does it not? Compared to the final purchase price, the cost of adding knobs to that stack seems inconsequential.

replies(2): >>44476927 #>>44477263 #
2. antisthenes ◴[06 Jul 25 01:13 UTC] No.44476927[source]▶
Yeah, seems like a really weird cope to defend the automakers.

Your average transmission will have an order of magnitude more parts that also needed to be designed and produced with much higher precision.

The interior knob controls are just a rounding error in the cost structure.

3. bluGill ◴[06 Jul 25 02:16 UTC] No.44477263[source]▶
Yes, but the touch screen is one large mold. The button needs a custom mold for each button. The touch screen also has large flat areas with reduces cost since is prevents extra cost round shapes.