Saturday, September 26, 2015
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Research
The Current Market
1.) Summarize the current state of in-car computing / interactivity.
Technology has advanced to a state in which we can control our mobile devices by voice or even a finger print. But when having such technology in a vehicle it gets complicated, it’s not because of the complications a user interface intended for mobile devices may interfere with inner functions of a car. Instead it’s simply because engineers that build cars simply do what they know best, engineer a vehicle. The console on a vehicle to manufactures is somewhat compared to the cherry on top for a sundae. That being said for most vehicles in the out the door price range, that cherry on top is over looked and simply has a generic yet functional console. As for the vehicles in higher price range, well you get a little more kick for your buck.
2.) Describe the various console interface options a consumer has when they purchase a new or used (manufacturer, third-party, custom, etc.) how do these options stack up with modern user expectations?
When purchasing a used vehicle the consumer already has a mindset of saving money. So options for console interface will vary in the preference of the buyer. Manufacturer will mean that the buyer will stick to the functioning standard interface already in the vehicle. Simple, functional and ready to use. Third party, means they will buy the car and on top find a retailer that have optional interfaces for the vehicle, more of an upgrade to the stock one. The Custom is more in tune to what the person is looking for and a more personalized interface that will pretty much consist of many parts that are not necessarily meant to go together but will do the job.
3.) What are the pros and cons of each option you listed in question 2?
If the vehicle in mind already has a third party or custom interface and that lead to purchasing the vehicle, it’s most likely the consumer is familiar with it and or was the reason they chose the vehicle. This can be good or bad, if it’s a third party then you have a chance of finding accessories or parts in a hardware store for any repairs. Now if it has a custom interface, meaning the previous owner spent money on the vehicle and time to get it to work properly chances are they simply didn’t just forget about the interface. Could be malfunctioning or even worse, interfered with the vehicles computing system, that being the reason the car was is in the used lot.
4.) What are some modern features that users expect to have in their console?
The most popular function consumers look for in a vehicle now a days is bluetooth compatibility. Not only for music, but also for the hands free ability. Being able to control your mobile device via a button on your steering wheel has become a popular function. Not to mention the benefits of having your favorite music apps playing through your speakers without having to upgrade the stock interface.
5.) What are some of the causes of stunted in-car technology?
Interfaces now a days consist of what the consumer looks for in a car, something more than horsepower and drivability. They seek that comfort of having technology at their fingertips, and manufactures tend to provide just that. Except the way they do it is often as that off spoiling a child, obsessively throwing options for options of options that have no use in every day life. So overwhelmed that they seek alternatives that cost more money for simpler use.
Tesla’s Specific
1.)Summarize Tesla’s brand and their product offering?
Tesla is an innovative company focused in the future of car technology. A group of engineers determined to show the world a high end luxury vehicle that only relies on electricity and is 100% eco friendly. They aim to create the vehicle of tomorrow.
2.) What is Tesla’s current target audience? How has this changed over time?
Tesla’s target audience consisted of upper class / business executives looking for a high end luxury vehicle. Upper class males looking for the excitement of a sports car but comfort feel of a sedan, and the Tesla Roadster was just that and environmental friendly. Now they seek the next generation of drivers, focusing on the Y generation (adults in their 20’s - early 40’s). The middle class is now in the eyes of the manufacturer.
3.) Summarize the state of Tesla’s current in-car technology / interactive?
The interface for the latest models of Tesla provides drivers with the latest in touch screen technology. Allowing the drier to control the vehicles setting from a single screen with the touch of a finger.
4.) What are Tesla’s biggest competitors when it comes to in car technology / computing? How do these competitors compare? In what ways does Tesla deviate from the current industry?
Tesla’s touchscreen interface makes a big splash but it isn’t the only big fish in the industry, there several competitors such as Alpine, Pioneer, Apple car play, and Google’s on third party vehicle interface. Alpine and Pioneer are top in the market when it comes stereo systems and interfaces, but their multifunctional design seems to overwhelm consumers with options within the interface consoles. As for Google and Apple car play’s system they provide users with the comfort of their mobile device available at the fingertip of their vehicle. But they either must purchase a vehicle with it already installed or purchase a third party interface and in addition purchase Google or Apple’s car play system.
5.) Why has Tesla moved to a purely touch-screen interface?
They wanted to develop an interface in which drivers can fully interact and have fun while enjoying the rest of the vehicle while on the road. Allowing drivers to access settings on the vehicle you will literally need a mechanic to adjust in other vehicle. A great example is the manipulation of the vehicles suspension to adjust to the road, you simply access the settings and simply slide your finger across the setting to the desire level and done.
Analysis
1.) What are the pros and cons of a fully touchscreen car console.
The pros is the visibility and user friendly feel to it, as many drivers can relate the experience to that of their mobile device or tablet. Simply having ease and control of your vehicle’s settings at your fingertips. Some down sides to the interface is well the screen itself, it simply feels like a pc monitor/tablet coming out of your dashboard. The layout is also a downside, as you will most likely would have to take your eyes of the road in order to open the settings you are looking for.
2.)What specific interactions will be more difficult with a fully touchscreen interface?
One of the biggest issues that most people tend to use will be ac/heating system, in a vehicle that has knobs you simply rotate them and air comes out or like most cars the heat or cold setting knob stays in the previous location and all you would do is turn the fan on. As for the touchscreen you will have to look for the ac/ heating settings and adjust to your comfort while trying to keep your eyes on the road. That being said, one major issue is accessing the control settings you want without having to turn away from the road.
3.) what are some deign elements / solutions / considerations that could help overcome these hurdles?
One easy way will be to create a system much like siri for the iPhone, a voice activation system in which you simply instruct the console what you want to do and it will be adjusted to your liking. Also another way to improve could be to create a code by swiping your finger, somewhat like the passcode used to access your phone. Instead you will be using it to access certain settings, cutting off all the hassle of searching.
4.) What other useful information did you find regarding this topic in your research?
Mostly information regarding the tesla, before the research and this class I thought the vehicle had an engine in the front like any other car. Which it does not, it has two engines in front and back but both are electric and are right in between both tires. Learning that it truly is a car of the future running on pure electricity and being environmentally friendly.
5.) Tech Radar - "The Tesla S Has the Most Insane In-car Touchscreen Multimedia System Ever." TechRadar. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Pioneer Electronics - AppRadio." Pioneer Electronics USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Bank rate.com - "New Car Technology -- Not Quality -- Is Trend of the Decade." New Car Technology -- Not Quality -- Is Trend of the Decade. N.p., n.d. WeB. 01 Sept. 2015.
Android Auto - "Android Auto." Android Auto. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2015.
"The State of In-Car UX." Teehan+Lax. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2015.
1.) Summarize the current state of in-car computing / interactivity.
Technology has advanced to a state in which we can control our mobile devices by voice or even a finger print. But when having such technology in a vehicle it gets complicated, it’s not because of the complications a user interface intended for mobile devices may interfere with inner functions of a car. Instead it’s simply because engineers that build cars simply do what they know best, engineer a vehicle. The console on a vehicle to manufactures is somewhat compared to the cherry on top for a sundae. That being said for most vehicles in the out the door price range, that cherry on top is over looked and simply has a generic yet functional console. As for the vehicles in higher price range, well you get a little more kick for your buck.
2.) Describe the various console interface options a consumer has when they purchase a new or used (manufacturer, third-party, custom, etc.) how do these options stack up with modern user expectations?
When purchasing a used vehicle the consumer already has a mindset of saving money. So options for console interface will vary in the preference of the buyer. Manufacturer will mean that the buyer will stick to the functioning standard interface already in the vehicle. Simple, functional and ready to use. Third party, means they will buy the car and on top find a retailer that have optional interfaces for the vehicle, more of an upgrade to the stock one. The Custom is more in tune to what the person is looking for and a more personalized interface that will pretty much consist of many parts that are not necessarily meant to go together but will do the job.
3.) What are the pros and cons of each option you listed in question 2?
If the vehicle in mind already has a third party or custom interface and that lead to purchasing the vehicle, it’s most likely the consumer is familiar with it and or was the reason they chose the vehicle. This can be good or bad, if it’s a third party then you have a chance of finding accessories or parts in a hardware store for any repairs. Now if it has a custom interface, meaning the previous owner spent money on the vehicle and time to get it to work properly chances are they simply didn’t just forget about the interface. Could be malfunctioning or even worse, interfered with the vehicles computing system, that being the reason the car was is in the used lot.
4.) What are some modern features that users expect to have in their console?
The most popular function consumers look for in a vehicle now a days is bluetooth compatibility. Not only for music, but also for the hands free ability. Being able to control your mobile device via a button on your steering wheel has become a popular function. Not to mention the benefits of having your favorite music apps playing through your speakers without having to upgrade the stock interface.
5.) What are some of the causes of stunted in-car technology?
Interfaces now a days consist of what the consumer looks for in a car, something more than horsepower and drivability. They seek that comfort of having technology at their fingertips, and manufactures tend to provide just that. Except the way they do it is often as that off spoiling a child, obsessively throwing options for options of options that have no use in every day life. So overwhelmed that they seek alternatives that cost more money for simpler use.
Tesla’s Specific
1.)Summarize Tesla’s brand and their product offering?
Tesla is an innovative company focused in the future of car technology. A group of engineers determined to show the world a high end luxury vehicle that only relies on electricity and is 100% eco friendly. They aim to create the vehicle of tomorrow.
2.) What is Tesla’s current target audience? How has this changed over time?
Tesla’s target audience consisted of upper class / business executives looking for a high end luxury vehicle. Upper class males looking for the excitement of a sports car but comfort feel of a sedan, and the Tesla Roadster was just that and environmental friendly. Now they seek the next generation of drivers, focusing on the Y generation (adults in their 20’s - early 40’s). The middle class is now in the eyes of the manufacturer.
3.) Summarize the state of Tesla’s current in-car technology / interactive?
The interface for the latest models of Tesla provides drivers with the latest in touch screen technology. Allowing the drier to control the vehicles setting from a single screen with the touch of a finger.
4.) What are Tesla’s biggest competitors when it comes to in car technology / computing? How do these competitors compare? In what ways does Tesla deviate from the current industry?
Tesla’s touchscreen interface makes a big splash but it isn’t the only big fish in the industry, there several competitors such as Alpine, Pioneer, Apple car play, and Google’s on third party vehicle interface. Alpine and Pioneer are top in the market when it comes stereo systems and interfaces, but their multifunctional design seems to overwhelm consumers with options within the interface consoles. As for Google and Apple car play’s system they provide users with the comfort of their mobile device available at the fingertip of their vehicle. But they either must purchase a vehicle with it already installed or purchase a third party interface and in addition purchase Google or Apple’s car play system.
5.) Why has Tesla moved to a purely touch-screen interface?
They wanted to develop an interface in which drivers can fully interact and have fun while enjoying the rest of the vehicle while on the road. Allowing drivers to access settings on the vehicle you will literally need a mechanic to adjust in other vehicle. A great example is the manipulation of the vehicles suspension to adjust to the road, you simply access the settings and simply slide your finger across the setting to the desire level and done.
Analysis
1.) What are the pros and cons of a fully touchscreen car console.
The pros is the visibility and user friendly feel to it, as many drivers can relate the experience to that of their mobile device or tablet. Simply having ease and control of your vehicle’s settings at your fingertips. Some down sides to the interface is well the screen itself, it simply feels like a pc monitor/tablet coming out of your dashboard. The layout is also a downside, as you will most likely would have to take your eyes of the road in order to open the settings you are looking for.
2.)What specific interactions will be more difficult with a fully touchscreen interface?
One of the biggest issues that most people tend to use will be ac/heating system, in a vehicle that has knobs you simply rotate them and air comes out or like most cars the heat or cold setting knob stays in the previous location and all you would do is turn the fan on. As for the touchscreen you will have to look for the ac/ heating settings and adjust to your comfort while trying to keep your eyes on the road. That being said, one major issue is accessing the control settings you want without having to turn away from the road.
3.) what are some deign elements / solutions / considerations that could help overcome these hurdles?
One easy way will be to create a system much like siri for the iPhone, a voice activation system in which you simply instruct the console what you want to do and it will be adjusted to your liking. Also another way to improve could be to create a code by swiping your finger, somewhat like the passcode used to access your phone. Instead you will be using it to access certain settings, cutting off all the hassle of searching.
4.) What other useful information did you find regarding this topic in your research?
Mostly information regarding the tesla, before the research and this class I thought the vehicle had an engine in the front like any other car. Which it does not, it has two engines in front and back but both are electric and are right in between both tires. Learning that it truly is a car of the future running on pure electricity and being environmentally friendly.
5.) Tech Radar - "The Tesla S Has the Most Insane In-car Touchscreen Multimedia System Ever." TechRadar. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Pioneer Electronics - AppRadio." Pioneer Electronics USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Bank rate.com - "New Car Technology -- Not Quality -- Is Trend of the Decade." New Car Technology -- Not Quality -- Is Trend of the Decade. N.p., n.d. WeB. 01 Sept. 2015.
Android Auto - "Android Auto." Android Auto. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2015.
"The State of In-Car UX." Teehan+Lax. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2015.
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