For automotive suppliers and car manufacturers, the balancing act between intuitive interior operation on the one hand and a high-quality look and feel in the car cockpit on the other hand is a constant challenge. Especially in luxury vehicles, the number of buttons, switches and rotary knobs often overwhelms the driver. Even selecting functions via a central display menu does not necessarily have to be intuitive to use. The problem is always the same: When the driver must look for the desired function, he is distracted from the traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
PrehCon has set itself the task of reducing driver distraction as much as possible. The concept distinguishes between primary and secondary functions. The primary functions must be designed as intuitively as possible so the driver can select them without a learning phase. Calling up secondary functions, on the other hand, should also be intuitive after a relatively short learning phase.
For example, with conventional climate control systems having two climate zones, two control elements were required to set the desired temperature; with PrehCon only one rotary knob is sufficient. This can be pushed to the right or left in order to select the respective zone before setting it with a turning motion. Haptic feedback also makes it possible to provide different functions with a perceptibly different torque.
PrehCon also combines the gear selector lever with the parking brake, which raises from its resting position when the vehicle is started. The center console concept is also supplemented by an innovative touchpad functionality. In the so-called "Phone" mode, a telephone keypad is visible on the touchpad surface. When the user presses the buttons, he receives visual and haptic feedback.
The center console concept also relies on Preh PVD (physical vapor disposition) technology for an elegant visual impression. This enables buttons or switches to be coated with a wafer-thin real metal surface, which can be provided with the corresponding functional symbols via laser, for backlighting in the night design.
Technologies combined in PrehCon improve the car cockpit in terms of intuitive usability, less distraction and more traffic safety.
