VOLVO CANADA - Volvo Car
Group will use the Geneva Motor Show to reveal its new in-car control
system, which is designed around a large tablet-like touch screen that
will simplify and enhance the way drivers operate their cars.
The touch screen replaces the traditional
selection of buttons and controls in the centre stack with one clean and
sleek control panel. It will blend established tablet functionality,
such as swiping and pinching, with new solutions that are specially
designed for the in-car environment. It also interacts with the digital
instrument cluster in front of the driver.
“The basic idea is to organize controls and
information in a perfectly intuitive and user-friendly way. Everything
is exactly where you expect it to be, making the drive more enjoyable,
efficient, and safe,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President
Design at Volvo Car Group.
This ground-breaking driver experience will be
introduced in the next car generation, starting with the all-new Volvo
XC90 later in 2014.
“The new user interface is designed to create a
smooth, logical and safe interaction between the driver and the car,”
says Thomas Ingenlath. “This goes far beyond just putting a large tablet
in the centre of the dashboard. We have created a digital environment
that is fully integrated in the car.”
Logical stack of four ‘tiles’
The layout on the portrait screen can be
described as a stack of flexible ‘tiles’, each displaying a key
functionality. Navigation is on the top, followed by media and
telephone.
A thin notification band is located above the tiles, while the digital climate controls become the ‘foundation’ of the pile.
“Information, navigation and media are high up
and easy to keep an eye on. The phone controls, application icons and
climate controls are located low, comfortable to reach and touch. Using
the screen is so logical that it will be part of your muscle memory very
quickly,” explains Thomas Ingenlath.
The smooth user interface also includes thumb-reach controls on the steering wheel and extensive voice-control possibilities.
Digital solution
The new user interface is designed so that the
tiles on the touch screen expand on interaction. When one of the tiles
expands to display required information, the others are compressed,
still visible and instantly accessible.
“Having all functions present all the time
makes the touch screen exceptionally user-friendly. The spacious layout
also promotes smooth interaction without distraction,” says Thomas
Ingenlath.
Crystal clear but calm
“Creating this crystal clear, yet calm,
environment is a core part of our digital craftsmanship. It is fine for
an ordinary tablet to fight for your full attention but a touch screen
in a car is very different. Information must be clear and user-friendly,
without turning up the visual volume so much that you risk losing focus
on the road. This also makes it easier to make really urgent
information, such as a warning, much more distinctive,” concludes Thomas
Ingenlath.