A New Car UI: How touch screen controls in cars should work

Matthaeus Krenn demonstrates a concept for car touchscreen interfaces that allows drivers to control settings using multi-finger gestures without looking.

Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/matthaeus See more details at matthaeuskrenn.com/new-car-ui Try the prototype on your tablet: matthaeuskrenn.com/new-car-ui/prototype (so far, only tested on iPads) A New Car UI How touch screen controls in cars should actually work THE PROBLEM Several automotive companies have begun replacing traditional controls in their cars with touch screens. Unfortunately, their eagerness to set new trends in hardware, is not matched by their ambition to create innovative software experiences for these new input mechanisms. Instead of embracing new constraints and opportunities, they merely replicate old button layouts and shapes on these new, flat, glowing surfaces. So even controls for air condition and infotainment - which are commonly used while driving - now lack any tactile feedback and require the driver's dexterity and attention when operated. Considering that distracted driving is the number one cause for car accidents, this is not a step in the right direction. MY PROPOSAL I propose a new mode that can be invoked at any time: It clears the entire screen of those tiny, intangible control elements and makes way for big, forgiving gestures that can be performed anywhere. In place of the lost tactile feedback, the interface leverages the driver's muscle memory to ensure their ability to control crucial features without taking their eyes off the road. Music "A New Day Begins" by Joan Tay (soundcloud.com/pinkunousagi/its-raining-heavily)