Follow-up To Virginia Tech Chrysler Design Project Thread

[kristinadanielyan]

Hello everyone. My name is Kristina, and I'm another member of the Virginia Tech designer-engineer group that is trying to redesign car maintenance alert and warning systems. If you recall, the last thread was started by Sunny and can be found at https://www.seniorforums.com/showthread.php/2669-Are-cars-easy-to-use.

We came up with a concept that uses a screen to give the driver clear, informative feedback on the state of their car. The system is designed to work with any 'touchscreen' features that would be already in place (since the industry seems to be favoring that direction anyhow), and eliminates the confusing symbol cars currently use to communicate maintenance needs to their drivers.




The three image files above show a rough outline of what the system could work like. If something was wrong with your car, an alert would come up and explain what's going on and what steps you can take to solve the problem. Less urgent alerts, like reminders that you need to change your oil in the next few weeks, would appear only when you turn your car on and wouldn't detract from your driving. The next two image files show a variety of dark-light contrasts and color examples.

We would love to have you feedback on the concepts and would like to know what kind of text and visuals you all would prefer. Is a dark background easier on the eyes, or does it strain them? Are harsh colors better for text, or softer, more pastel ones? Would images and diagrams be of benefit to you in instructions like 'open the hood of your car'? Thanks for your input!

 

[Diwundrin]

I'm not American but have some time to spare so will make a comment anyway.

Is it going to be as big as an iPad? If not then less words, bigger print. Big enough to read at a glance.

I'd definitely drop the 'hey buddy' we know that cars can't really talk and don't give a toss who's driving them, but I can vouch for the fact that drivers care how they're addressed and as a woman driver I will develop a deep and abiding hatred for something that continually addresses me as 'buddy' 'mate' or 'deary'.
Change engine oil soon or even Change engine oil ASAP would do for me thanks.

"Shut off your engine and open the car's hood"... really? Are we 5yos? Who else's engine would we shut off?

WARNING !!
High engine temp.!
Shut off engine, open hood.

Call for help if needed.
Touch nothing until cool.

I remember a poll on a forum that asked for member input into script and background colour preferences and of about 15 responses there were 12 different combinations so good luck with that.

I prefer hard deep red on white for Warnings and black or deep blue on white for reminders, bet I'm the only one though.

 

[littleowl]

If you kept the car well maintained and checked water, oil, tires, lights and battery regularly you would not need all that advice.
Every thing you should be taught at driving School.

 

[JustBonee]

First, I would say that Hey buddy! sounds insulting to anyone, but especially a female. Forget the familiarity gimmit.. that doesn't work for most people I would guess..

The red lettering is the most "alerting" as an emergency warning. ...blue, green and purple don't convey a serious problem as far as I'm concerned .. they're too nice and 'quiet' looking.

And I agree with Di, less wording .. get right to the point!

Personally, I like my gauges in my old car & truck that say H ..C, F...E, H...L .. tells me everything I need to know. Cars of the future aren't really my concern, and no one wants my advice anyway. I don't plan to drive but a year or two longer.

Good Luck. Less gadgets, more safety.

 

[SifuPhil]

I'd definitely drop the 'hey buddy' we know that cars can't really talk and don't give a toss who's driving them, but I can vouch for the fact that drivers care how they're addressed and as a woman driver I will develop a deep and abiding hatred for something that continually addresses me as 'buddy' 'mate' or 'deary'.

Agreed. I'm not the car's buddy.

Change engine oil ASAP would do for me thanks.

But then you're going to have tons of complaints from people that go to the supply store asking for ASAP engine oil ...

"But you HAVE to stock it! My buddy said I need to change it!"

Never underestimate the stupidity of today's drivers.

"Shut off your engine and open the car's hood"... really? Are we 5yos? Who else's engine would we shut off?

Like I said - don't underestimate 'em.


OP - sorry, but I'm more in favor of operator upgrades: teach the drivers better. The hardware is already well beyond the point where even idiots can use it.