The Size Of Touchscreens Is Getting Ridiculous!

[930.engineering]

While some vehicles are better designed than others, even when a screen is adjusted, it still reflects back in the drivers' face at night. This is not so much an issue on well lit city streets, but when you're on a twisty, dark, country, backroad, having a large lit screen, is both distracting and irritating.

No, it isn't actually true. Your ignoring the auto dimming even though it has been mentioned several times.

 

[RooflessVW]

I agree. Especially if you have a set of $3,000.00 custom wheels you don't want to scrape against the curb, because you can't parallel park correctly.

360° cameras help with that too. But you need a screen...

While some vehicles are better designed than others, even when a screen is adjusted, it still reflects back in the drivers' face at night. This is not so much an issue on well lit city streets, but when you're on a twisty, dark, country, backroad, having a large lit screen, is both distracting and irritating.

Secondly, as others have noted, knobs and buttons can be operated by touch; even the most ergonomic screen, by design, forces me to look at it to make adjustments.

So buy a different car. I have never had that issue, ever.

 

[Bud_One]

Agreed, how is a huge screen not a distraction ?
What needs to be a standard option or new selling point is heads up display being standard on all vehicles, IMHO.

 

[UG_Passat]

While some vehicles are better designed than others, even when a screen is adjusted, it still reflects back in the drivers' face at night. This is not so much an issue on well lit city streets, but when you're on a twisty, dark, country, backroad, having a large lit screen, is both distracting and irritating.

Secondly, as others have noted, knobs and buttons can be operated by touch; even the most ergonomic screen, by design, forces me to look at it to make adjustments.

When there is too many small buttons to press, it is also bad.

 

[czbrian]

Already there with Mercedes. View attachment 71845

That looks terrible.

 

[PF52]

Is it possible to ignore the touchscreen; just dim it so it can no longer be seen?

My 2021 WRX has a screen but it also has regular radio knobs and HVAC knobs. I don't think I've touched the screen one time yet. But it helps that I don't use Navigation, GPS, Car-Play, integrated phone or whatever all else is on it.

Now get off my lawn!

 

[4WD]

Is it possible to ignore the touchscreen; just dim it so it can no longer be seen?

My 2021 WRX has a screen but it also has regular radio knobs and HVAC knobs. I don't think I've touched the screen one time yet. But it helps that I don't use Navigation, GPS, Car-Play, integrated phone or whatever all else is on it.

Now get off my lawn!

I can actually turn mine off … not sure about others

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...4FB0C85AFB35E23F9A0E4FB&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 

[Gimpy1]

Yeah real races cars don't even have half that many gauges.

Because screens are better.

And less

No one is saying that. This is about these giant, bright, oversize screens being distracting to the point of it being a safety concern for a lot of people. Just look at the accidents that are caused by texting and driving. Do you think having a foot wide touch screen starring you in the face with 28,567 different features and functions is going to improve on that accident record?

Perhaps we have reached the point where we should certify cars, the same way the FAA certifies aircraft. When they have too much crap in the cockpit to operate, they are required to have 2 pilots. One to fly the plane, while the other works all the technological crap on board. Sounds plausible.

Dude its very easy to minimize the amount of data or content on ANY touch screen its in the owners manual same as dimming it changing colors etc. This is simply griping from a bunch of folks whos heyday vehicle was a 56 Corvair. Like it or not touchscreens are now a permanent fixture in a vehicle like a speedo or tach.

 

[4WD]

Dude its very easy to minimize the amount of data or content on ANY touch screen its in the owners manual same as dimming it changing colors etc. This is simply griping from a bunch of folks whos heyday vehicle was a 56 Corvair. Like it or not touchscreens are now a permanent fixture in a vehicle like a speedo or tach.

This has nothing to do with members living in the past …
The OP/TS brought up a trend that touch screens are now testosterone for the fingers …

 

[PF52]

Dude its very easy to minimize the amount of data or content on ANY touch screen its in the owners manual same as dimming it changing colors etc. This is simply griping from a bunch of folks whos heyday vehicle was a 56 Corvair.

Not exactly the best year for Corvairs....

 

[2EHA]

I doubt these touch screens will even last 5 years without needing a complete replacement.

lol touch screens have been in cars for like 20 years

 

[billt460]

Dude its very easy to minimize the amount of data or content on ANY touch screen its in the owners manual same as dimming it changing colors etc.

Sure, but how many are going to? Most love to play with all of this crap. The more the better. Multi tasking is fine. But not while you're driving. Distractions cause accidents. It's a proven fact. Look at the lunacy of texting while driving. Most of the idiots who do it, could just as easily call whoever it is, and talk hands free. But they don't. And "dudes" die every day as a result.

 

[Greggy_D]

It makes no sense that some manufacturers (FORD!) split Climate Control functions between buttons and menus on the screen. If I want to change between dash and floor vents, there isn't a physical button I can hit. I have to take my eyes off the road, drill down into the Climate subsection and then hit the icon on the screen. With a physical button, I could do it by feel and without taking my eyes off the road.

The screen are a distraction.

 

[JeffKeryk]

When there is too many small buttons to press, it is also bad.

100% true. Check out this simple, minimalist interior. If I wanna change the temp, I issue a voice command. And hundreds of other commands.
In all fairness, there is a huge learning curve. Young people who grew up with Macs, PC and especially tablets easily take to the Tesla. No so others, even if they are very computer literate. These cars are different.

 

[NitroM3]

He probably races them at the track.

Wow you went full JC Whitney

Hmm.. no can't race that at the track it won't pass tech. I think its the flame system they ask me about? Or maybe all the Nitrous nozzles? LOL This MINI is more of an advertising exhibition or show car. Besides not sure what division Road Track it would be classed in? At a strictly limited 129.6 mph top speed many CA track straights have cars that can easily hit 150-200+mph and I would be playing catch up all around the rest of the tracks.

RooflessVW while I get the joke (or insult?) I can safely say nothing is from JC Whiteny the monitors (gauges) are necessary when you start pushing 500+whp. And engineering and developing many engine ,brake and suspension parts.

 

[billt460]

It makes no sense that some manufacturers (FORD!) split Climate Control functions between buttons and menus on the screen. If I want to change between dash and floor vents, there isn't a physical button I can hit. I have to take my eyes off the road, drill down into the Climate subsection and then hit the icon on the screen. With a physical button, I could do it by feel and without taking my eyes off the road.

The screen are a distraction.

My Jeep has both. Why, I have no idea. It has buttons for both driver and passenger climate control. And it also has the same thing on the screen. Except to use the screen it is far more distracting. With the buttons you can "feel your way around". Just like with the standard levers and switches the older models had. But with the screen, you can easily touch the wrong thing, then you have to go back. Still more distraction with not looking where you should be, and with zero benefit what so ever.

 

[UG_Passat]

12.3" screen with plenty of buttons for the often to access controls

And for the HVAC... I just leave it in "Auto" the whole time, or "Off" if I want to drive with the sunroof open

 

[PimTac]

On the touchscreen thing, yes, if poorly executed, it can certainly be distracting. I'm a big fan of HUD's now, I think that's about as "ideal" as you can get, with the information that's important projected on the windshield.

I think the HUDs are the best thing to come out for the driver in a long time.

 

[Quattro Pete]

While I prefer physical buttons, I have no issues with a large screen, as long as it's incorporated thoughtfully into the overall interior design. Unfortunately in some vehicles the screen sticks out like a sore thumb - looks like an ipad that was slapped on at the last minute.

My issue is with the "touch" part of the screen - I am slightly OCD and can't stand seeing fingerprints on a screen.

 

[Nick1994]

Lol, so many grumps here complaining about technology.

If touching a screen to adjust your air conditioning is so distracting, maybe take a cab or the city bus if your mind can't compute so many challenging things at once.

Or maybe one of these to bingo?