The visionary designer behind the iPhone and iPad, Jony Ive, has voiced strong criticism against the pervasive use of touchscreens as the primary interface in modern vehicles. Ive argues that this technology is fundamentally unsuited for the demands of driving, contrasting it with the intuitive and safe design principles he championed for Apple products. His remarks come as the automotive industry increasingly integrates large, complex touch displays, a trend Ive believes is driven more by fashion than by genuine problem-solving.
Key Takeaways
- Jony Ive, credited with revolutionizing mobile interfaces with the iPhone’s touchscreen, believes touchscreens are the "wrong technology" for primary car controls.
- He emphasizes that car interfaces should prioritize safety and intuition, requiring minimal driver distraction.
- Ive’s design for the Ferrari Luce EV interior features a majority of physical switches, highlighting his preference for tactile feedback.
- The widespread adoption of car touchscreens is seen by Ive as a trend driven by perceived technological fashion rather than user needs.
The Dangers of Distraction
Ive, whose groundbreaking work on the original iPhone established touch as a dominant interface, stated unequivocally that he would "never have used touch in a car [for the main controls]." His primary concern is safety, as he explained that touchscreens necessitate drivers taking their eyes off the road. This contrasts sharply with the design philosophy behind the iPhone, where touch was developed to create a versatile, general-purpose interface that could adapt to various functions without physical buttons.
A Return to Tactile Feedback
In stark opposition to the trend of dashboard-spanning screens seen in vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, the interior design Ive contributed to for the Ferrari Luce EV features a significant number of physical switches and buttons. While a central touchscreen is present, it is complemented by controls that offer distinct tactile feedback. "Every single switch feels different, so you don’t need to look," Ive explained, underscoring the importance of intuitive, non-visual interaction for critical functions.
Fashion Over Function?
Ive suggests that the automotive industry’s embrace of touchscreens has been influenced by a perception of current technology as a "fashion." He observed that car manufacturers adopted touchscreens because it was the latest trend, leading to an escalating cycle of larger and more prominent displays. He believes this approach deviates from the problem-solving methodology that defined his work at Apple, where the focus was on creating intuitive and safe user experiences. The shift towards physical controls in the Ferrari Luce EV, according to Ive, reflects a more thoughtful approach to interface design that prioritizes the driver’s safety and engagement with the road.
Sources
Founder Dinis Guarda
IntelligentHQ Your New Business Network.
IntelligentHQ is a Business network and an expert source for finance, capital markets and intelligence for thousands of global business professionals, startups, and companies.
We exist at the point of intersection between technology, social media, finance and innovation.
IntelligentHQ leverages innovation and scale of social digital technology, analytics, news, and distribution to create an unparalleled, full digital medium and social business networks spectrum.
IntelligentHQ is working hard, to become a trusted, and indispensable source of business news and analytics, within financial services and its associated supply chains and ecosystems
