Mark Wyner’s journal

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I like to talk endlessly about anything related to the design and development of websites and mobile apps, technology, and the creative industry, which may tickle your fancy.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tesla Model X Touchscreen Interface

Here’s what I love about the touchscreen dashboard in the Tesla Model X automobile: it’s a touchscreen device. And here’s what I hate about it: it’s a touchscreen device.

Photograph of the Tesla-X touchscreen dashboard interface

I can think of a number of functional benefits of having a touchscreen dashboard in an automobile. But I believe there’s a critical flaw in that touchscreen devices offer no tactile feedback.

While driving a vehicle with physical switches, buttons, and dials one can use tactile senses to complete dashboard tasks while keeping an eye on the road. But a touchscreen interface ironically requires a marriage between touch and sight. The latter being a critical component of safe driving.

The Model X is a fantastic specimen of automobile engineering overall. And the touchscreen dashboard is no exception. I simply believe it exhibits this flaw which can’t be overlooked.