[spoonful]

Is too much complexity in cars turning people off??

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...tomakers-addicted-to-in-car-features-overload

 

[DCRH]

I can see it becoming a problem when you have to navigate through a few screens just to get to a simple function that should be easily accessible, like an adjustable HVAC feature

 

[Lex Luther]

I don't think the problem is too much technology. I think the issue is making that technology user friendly and intuitive. I also think that younger people are more interested in having more and more technology than the older crowd is. So there is a bit of a generational divide as well.

 

[supratt]

I don't think the problem is too much technology. I think the issue is making that technology user friendly and intuitive. I also think that younger people are more interested in having more and more technology than the older crowd is. So there is a bit of a generational divide as well.

Also, how many people bother to read the manual? The RC manual is HUGE but there is so much in there that you would be unlikely to work out easily on your own. However, it is very poorly written and laid out. I don't know why Lexus doesn't put together an introductory DVD, which can be played in the DVD player of the car for all new owners.

 

[DCRH]

Also, how many people bother to read the manual? The RC manual is HUGE but there is so much in there that you would be unlikely to work out easily on your own. However, it is very poorly written and laid out. I don't know why Lexus doesn't put together an introductory DVD, which can be played in the DVD player of the car for all new owners.

This is actually a really good point, clearly the user manuals explain just about everything you need to know but few go through all of it.

Fortunately some car makers do make video presentations available showing you how to work specific features accessible through the infotainment system which are available online and through an APP.

 

[Lex Luther]

I don't really feel that bad for people if they don't know how something works but they don't even take the time to try to find the solution in the manual.

I have to say though, I am the person who would actually read through the instruction manual for my video games. Apparently no one else does that.

 

[supratt]

Maybe it's just because of my programming background, but it really disappoints me when I come across people who have been using a device in a certain way, totally oblivious to the fact that there is a much better way - which they would be aware of if they only bothered to make an effort to read the manual. It doesn't just apply to cars, but all sorts of electronic gizmos.

 

[thepro78]

Also, how many people bother to read the manual? The RC manual is HUGE but there is so much in there that you would be unlikely to work out easily on your own. However, it is very poorly written and laid out. I don't know why Lexus doesn't put together an introductory DVD, which can be played in the DVD player of the car for all new owners.

We have a DVD player on the car???

 

[Lex Luther]

I think that an instruction manual would be easier to look things up in than an instructional DVD. That's my own personal preference.

 

[honeybadger512]

Yup go try it

 

[Lex Luther]

It makes me very curious about what the future of cars will like too. Will the features just continue to proliferate or will there be a simplification that will happen in the future?

 

[GearHeadPeter]

We have a DVD player on the car???

Yup we do, and it plays movies quite nicely, but only if you are sitting still. :crying:

You can also download the entire Owners Manual from Lexus in a PDF from here: Lexus Owners Manual

Select the Owners Manual or Quick Guide and search the PDF for what you are looking for. Way better than thumbing through over 500 pages.

 

[GearHeadPeter]

It makes me very curious about what the future of cars will like too. Will the features just continue to proliferate or will there be a simplification that will happen in the future?

I think that features will continue to evolve, but at the same time be harder to access. When I drive to work I drive past so many BMW, MB, etc. that have Bluetooth, and yet I see the driver holding the phone in their hand instead of letting the car do it for them. Is it just too complicated or are the drives just that lazy or stupid? This is not only older people, but also people in their 20's-30's.

With so little space on the center stack today most car designers are putting all the bells and whistles in screen after screen of options. Just look at the MB, as it looks as though they totally forgot about the NAV screen and just slapped an Ipad at the top of the center stack. Sorry put that is poor design.