Driving Experience switch
Switch Hardware
The hardware provides multiple interaction possibilities. A built-in screen displays the current settings and is also operable. The knob itself is rotatable and can be pressed as a button. To minimize driver distraction, we aimed to enable blind operation, allowing the driver to make adjustments without looking.
Additionally, we mirrored the graphics displayed on the rotary knob to the infotainment screen, as the infotainment is positioned closer to the driver’s line of sight toward the street. This helps avoid a greater diversion of gaze by keeping critical information within a more accessible visual range. To further enhance usability, we limited touch screen interactions to a single axis, simplifying blind operation and ensuring a more intuitive experience.
Volume Setting
To adjust the volume, the knob can be effortlessly rotated. Turning the volume to its minimum automatically mutes the audio, with a corresponding symbol displayed on the screen. While rotating, a graphical circular indicator visually represents the volume level, and an icon appears, signaling the option to push the knob to switch to other modes.
The system always reverts to volume mode after a set timeout, displaying only the volume icon (muted or active) while dimming the display to minimize unnecessary energy consumption.
Atmospheres Switch
Pressing the knob allows users to access two modes: Driving Profiles and Atmospheres. A swipe gesture is used to switch between these modes. The last-used mode is displayed upon pressing the button—in this example, Atmospheres is active.
To switch between Atmospheres, the knob can be easily rotated. Each icon represents a unique Atmosphere, distinguished by a specific color reflected in the ambient lighting, cockpit display, and infotainment system. Additionally, a matching music playback and a digital cockpit visualization are included. The presets are fully customizable and users can create new custom options to suit their preferences. As mentioned earlier, the visualization on the rotary knob is mirrored on the infotainment screen to help avoid distraction by keeping critical information in the driver’s immediate line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road while driving.
Driving Experince Switch
Last but not least, the Driving Profiles can be accessed with a swipe after pressing the button, assuming it was previously set to Atmospheres, as in our example. Similar to Atmospheres, rotating the knob will display the available profiles in the center of the display. Only the driving characteristics will be adjusted, while the Atmosphere remains unchanged.
The On-road Driving Profiles include options such as Normal, Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Individual, each designed to optimize the driving experience based on the user’s preference. The Off-road Driving Profiles consist of Offroad Auto, Sand, Gravel, and Expert, with the last three available when the „Offroad Package“ is selected.
To return to the volume settings, simply press the knob again.
Videos
No more words needed—the videos will do the talking. Watch the switch in action.