Control systems in vehicles must be selectable so that driver distraction is reduced to a minimum. An ADAC study has shown that simple search for a desired radio station takes 12 seconds - a long time that significantly increases the risk of accidents. With their concepts, operating system developers and manufacturers naturally aim to optimize such processes, but there cannot be a uniform concept that is suitable for all drivers. Preferences are too individual, and swiping/zooming movements on smartphones have markedly shaped millions of users' operating habits. Thus, two target groups emerge which have to be considered equally. While one driver has internalized turning a rotary knob or pressing a button, the smartphone generation is more familiar with the usual swipe and zoom movements.
In fact, the so-called stroop effect can be used to demonstrate that internalized actions flow almost automatically, but new or unfamiliar actions require increased attention.
Preh enables the ideal solution by letting the driver decide how to select a function. Preh's multimodal center console concept includes separate control of the air conditioning system and seat and integrates a centrally positioned rotary knob that can be moved in four directions. A touchpad is also part of this center console concept. In addition, using multifunction steering wheels always makes sense.
The multimodal center console concept leaves the driver free to determine how a certain function should be operated. Selecting the favorite radio station can be made either via multifunction steering wheel, voice control or touchpad operation. A possible weak point, the lack of haptic feedback when selecting a function using a touchscreen instead of a rotary knob or button, is avoided from the outset in the Preh center console concept.
The real glass surface used has clearly perceptible contours and selecting a function on the touchscreen "answers" by means of optical, acoustic and haptic feedback.
Since 2010, series vehicles are increasingly equipped with touchpads, starting with Audi A8's MMI operating system. Whether at Mercedes, BMW, Audi or other manufacturers: The principle always remains the same - to keep distraction as low as possible.
There is no uniform solution for all drivers, but Preh's multimodal center console operating concept can give each one the right operation selection concept and thus make an essential contribution to increasing road safety.
