Earlier this week I complained about the silly display screen set-up of our Volvo XC60. Today, I will compliment the button lay-out. While complex tasks like controlling an iPod or programming the navigation system are not even close to being this car's forte, most-common tasks are.
For one, common controls literally fall right at hand. I reach my right arm out and the number pad is right there. Second, since it's a telephone-style number pad with the little nub on the 5, you've already been programmed to know which button you're pressing without looking. These Chiclet-like buttons are also separated from each other and raised from the surrounding backing. The volume button and the driver-side climate control knob are close to you and well-separated, while the little fan knob is not only placed by itself, but a unique size. Again, you know what they are without looking.
Directional man is another such control. Want air blowing at your head, press that round thing at top. Want it on your middle, press the middle. There was clearly a lot of thought put into this lay-out.
One of my good friends is blind, and I know he'd appreciate riding shotgun in the XC60. Nothing drives him crazy like an iDrive-like system or a touchscreen where he has no idea how to change a radio channel. He'll often just stab at something, calling up random commands just to piss me off. Come to think of it, maybe the XC60 isn't so great.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 10,705 miles
alman08 says:
09:37 AM, 01/29/10
"2010 Volvo XC60: Controls are Great for Blind People"
wow, you're beyond stupid.
hybris says:
09:59 AM, 01/29/10
I kinda wonder if this arrangement would make repairing or cleaning any of these buttons easier?
prndlol says:
10:01 AM, 01/29/10
I like the blonde wood. It reminds me of my desks in grade school. You know, the ones with the green metal legs..
dscain says:
10:18 AM, 01/29/10
I'm glad you brought this up, because it's hugely important. I'm not blind, and I don't have any blind people riding with me. But, being able to locate, distinguish, and operate controls without having to look away from the road is a very big deal. Example: my truck has 3 knobs for HVAC, and it's easy to adjust the temp, speed, and direction of air without having to look. My wife's car has 2 sliding levers to control the separate temps for driver and passenger, and I always have to look at them to use them. Avoiding distractions while driving a good thing.
bodyblue says:
12:02 PM, 01/29/10
alman08 says:
09:37 AM, 01/29/10
"2010 Volvo XC60: Controls are Great for Blind People"
wow, you're beyond stupid.
WOW you are beyond rude.
adavis2493 says:
12:13 PM, 01/29/10
The XV60 may be good for the people who are literally blind, but for people who have bad vision or bad hand-eye coordination, I recommend the Accord - the buttons are beyond massive.
adavis2493 says:
12:13 PM, 01/29/10
XC60*** Excuse Me
djohn116 says:
10:57 AM, 02/ 1/10
That HVAC graphic has an interesting history:
http://www.thecarthatstopsitself.com/?tag=environmental-concept-car
I remember seeing it on our ECC car and it made production few years later.
dan
volvo